Indonesia Marks Independence Day in Namibia with Blood Donation Drive

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia used its 81st Independence Day celebration in Namibia to strengthen people-to-people ties, with the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Windhoek organizing a blood donation drive to support local communities while bringing Indonesians and Namibians together.

Indonesian Ambassador to Namibia and Angola Mirza Nurhidayat said the initiative reflected Indonesia’s social commitment and the embassy’s contribution to the Namibian community, according to an official statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday, Antara 18, 2026.

Namibia Blood Transfusion Service (NamBTS) welcomed the initiative, saying the blood donation was expected to help maintain blood supplies for people in need in Namibia, Antara reported.

In addition to the blood donation drive, the embassy marked Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, August 17. The ceremony was attended by Indonesian Embassy officials and staff, members of the Indonesian diaspora in Windhoek, and Namibian media representatives.

Participants wore traditional Indonesian attire representing various regions, including Aceh, Lampung, Java, Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

As the ceremony’s supervisor, Ambassador Mirza invited participants to observe a moment of silence to express condolences and solidarity with victims of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The embassy also honored six local employees and one honorary employee who had served for 10 and 20 years. The awards recognized their dedication and contributions.

To reach Indonesian communities and the diaspora in Angola, the embassy livestreamed the ceremony through its social media channels. Ambassador Mirza also called on Indonesians in Namibia and Angola to maintain a strong sense of national identity and togetherness.

He expressed hope that the 81st Independence Day commemoration in Windhoek would strengthen ties among Indonesians in Namibia and Angola while deepening relations with the Friends of Indonesia communities in both countries.

Previously, the embassy had also organized various competitions on August 8. The activities were attended by members of the embassy community and Friends of Indonesia, including Namibian children and members of the Malaysian Embassy community in Windhoek. ***