Indonesians in Beijing Celebrate Independence Day with Culture and Unity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Embassy in Beijing commemorated the nation’s 81st Independence Day on Monday, August 17, 2026, with a ceremony that brought together around 200 citizens, blending solemn remembrance with vibrant cultural expression.

The event also included prayers for victims of Saturday's devastating 7.7‑magnitude in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which affected around 2,000 people.

Ambassador Djauhari Oratmangun, serving as inspector of the ceremony, stood in Javanese traditional black beskap attire paired with a red Tanimbar woven cloth.

The flag‑raising team comprised ten Indonesian students from Beijing’s leading universities, symbolizing the role of the younger generation in carrying national pride abroad.

Diplomats, defense attachés, and local staff joined the gathering, while members of the Civil Service Wives Association (Dharma Wanita) showcased Indonesia’s diversity by wearing traditional costumes from Java, Betawi, Lampung, Palembang, Batak, and other regions.

Students from Beijing, Wuhan, and Shandong also participated, underscoring the broad reach of Indonesia’s diaspora in China.

Following the flag ceremony, participants sang patriotic songs such as Bagimu Negeri, Tanah Air, and Hari Merdeka, accompanied by performers from the recent “Indonesia Fair 2026.”

The program continued with the launch of the book Indonesia–China: Who Does What? published by the Indonesia–China Friendship Association, a symbolic gesture of strengthening bilateral ties.

The celebration concluded with the cutting of tumpeng, performances of regional songs including Maumere, Tabola Bale and Cerlele, and a feast of Indonesian dishes ranging from rendang (Indonesian beef stew) and tempe orek (Sweet soy stir-fried tempeh) to martabak (Indonesian version of a pancake).

For many attendees, the atmosphere felt more intimate yet spirited compared to ceremonies at home.

“This was my first Independence Day in Beijing, and although the crowd was smaller, the sense of togetherness was stronger. It felt more than routine; it was truly festive,” said Mario Simatupang, who recently moved to the city, as quoted by Antara.

He added that witnessing the flag‑raising team up close gave him a different perspective. “Seeing the Paskibra (National Flag Hoisting Troop) from nearby is very different compared to watching from afar in a large field. Celebrating Independence Day abroad feels unique, and the food made it even better," he concluded.

By combining tradition, cultural pride, and solidarity, the Indonesian Embassy in Beijing offered a celebration that not only honored the nation’s independence but also strengthened the bonds of community among Indonesians living abroad. ***