Indonesia Uses Independence Celebrations in Paris, Ottawa to Promote Culture

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia used its 81st Independence Day celebrations in Paris and Ottawa to strengthen ties with its diaspora while introducing Indonesian culture, creativity, and contributions to international communities.

Around 700 Indonesians, members of the diaspora, and international guests attended the Independence Day celebration at the Indonesian Ambassador’s Residence in Paris on Monday, August 17, 2026. The event also served as a platform to strengthen national identity and cultural diplomacy.

Indonesian Ambassador to France Mohamad Oemar said the celebration was an opportunity for Indonesians living abroad to maintain their national identity and connection with Indonesia. “Through this celebration, we want to continue maintaining our national identity and love for Indonesia, even though we are far from home. I am very pleased to see the great enthusiasm of the community in attending and celebrating Aug. 17 together,” Oemar said on Monday, August 17, as quoted by Antara.

Oemar led the Proclamation anniversary ceremony as the ceremony inspector. The Indonesian flag was raised by 11 members of the Indonesian Independence Day flag-raising team, comprising Indonesian students in France.

Following the ceremony, participants held a prayer for people in East Nusa Tenggara affected by the earthquake.

The celebration continued with various cultural activities, including the Cita Nusantara tumpeng-cutting ceremony, a traditional costume competition, and performances of Poco-Poco, Gemu Fa Mi Re, and Joget Nusantara dances.

Of the approximately 700 participants, 150 were French nationals and members of the international community, including mixed-marriage families and Indonesianists. Their participation helped strengthen people-to-people ties between Indonesia and France.

A French participant, Alexandre, said he was interested in Indonesia’s diversity and Nusantara culture. He also enjoyed Indonesian dishes served during the celebration, including meatballs and satay.

“Indonesia is very interesting because of its diversity, with many languages and ethnic groups. I am impressed by Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. It is my dream to visit Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa marked Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day by honoring Quebec-based writer and filmmaker Ugo Monticone and Indonesian-born entrepreneur Johannes Doy for their contributions to Indonesia’s cultural and economic diplomacy.

Ugo is known for a documentary about Bali that was screened in Canada and several European countries. Johannes, meanwhile, has promoted Indonesian artisans’ handicrafts in Canada through his business, Tribal Voices, for more than three decades.

The Independence Day celebrations in Ottawa began with a flag-raising ceremony attended by around 200 members of the embassy community and the Indonesian diaspora in Canada. The ceremony was led by Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab.

The Ottawa celebration also featured various activities, including a fun walk, traditional competitions, Panggung Merdeka (Freedom Stage) and a bazaar showcasing Indonesian arts, culture and culinary specialties.

The celebrations in Paris and Ottawa demonstrate that Independence Day is not only an opportunity to strengthen the national bonds of the Indonesian diaspora but also to give local communities greater exposure to Indonesia’s culture, creativity and contributions on the international stage. ***