Indonesians in Sarawak Celebrate Independence with Unity Events

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – From plantation fields to community learning centers, Indonesians in Sarawak, Malaysia, marked Independence Day with vibrant cultural festivities, underscoring solidarity and national pride among migrant workers and their families.

The Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Kuching, together with local communities, organized a series of Independence Day celebrations at Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad (SOPB) Lambir and the Community Learning Center (CLC) of Sarawak Plantation Agriculture Development (SPAD).

At SOPB in Lambir, around 600 Indonesians joined Pesta Rakyat (Folk Festival) featuring traditional competitions such as tug‑of‑war, pole climbing, sack races, cooking contests, volleyball, sepak takraw, and badminton.

The festivities were enriched by Indonesian dance and music performances, reinforcing cultural ties and a sense of belonging among the diasporas.

“We must continue to nurture our love for Indonesia, safeguard unity, and strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation,” Consul General Abdullah Zulkifli said on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The following day, on Sunday, August 9, at SPAD’s Community Learning Center Ladang 3 in Miri, 105 children of Indonesian migrant workers joined independence‑themed games.

Tug‑of‑war, sack races, flour relays, and biscuit‑eating contests were designed to foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience. Consul General Abdullah Zulkifli reminded the students to carry perseverance into everyday life.

“We must keep fighting and never give up. Winning and losing are both part of the learning process,” he said.

The CLC initiative, supported by SPAD management and teachers, plays a vital role in providing access to education and character development for children growing up far from Indonesia. KJRI Kuching emphasized that such centers help instill national identity and pride while ensuring a conducive learning environment.

By combining cultural festivities with educational engagement, the independence celebrations underscored the importance of solidarity, nationalism, and community support among Indonesians abroad.

“For Indonesians in Miri, the 81st Independence Day is a moment to keep the spirit of the Red‑and‑White alive, even while living far from home,” Abdullah concluded.

These events highlight how Indonesia’s diaspora in Sarawak continues to strengthen bonds of national identity, promote community solidarity, and ensure education for migrant children remains a central pillar of life abroad. ***