Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé Celebrates 81st Independence Day

RRI.CO.ID, Yaoundé – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Yaoundé, Cameroon, commemorated the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day. It was held along with the Indonesian citizens’ community, the ASEAN community, and Friends of Indonesia in Yaoundé on Monday, August 17, 2026.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé received in Jakarta on Monday, August 18, the commemoration was also held in conjunction with the 59th ASEAN Day celebration at the embassy. The event began with a flag-raising ceremony marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day and the 59th ASEAN Day.

The ceremony served as an opportunity to reflect on Indonesia’s journey in nation-building and its contributions to peace and regional cooperation. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued with traditional Indonesian Independence Day games, including cracker-eating, eggplant ball-dribbling, and water-transfer competitions.

The games were not only attended by Indonesian citizens but also involved guests and members of the communities present. The activities created a warm, family-like atmosphere and strengthened interaction between Indonesian and Cameroonian communities.

Cameroonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, Yasmin Aliou, who attended the celebration, expressed hope that people-to-people relations between Indonesia and Cameroon would continue to be strengthened.

Meanwhile, former Cameroonian footballer Simon Atangana, who previously played for Indonesian football club PSIS Semarang, recalled his experiences in Indonesia. He still brought an Indonesian flag that he received when PSIS Semarang were crowned champions of the Indonesian League in the 1998–1999 season.

For Simon, Indonesia is his second home. He also shared his memories of Indonesia in fluent Indonesian language.

Morissa, an Indonesian citizen from Ujung Pandang who has lived in Cameroon since 2001, said celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day abroad has a special meaning as it allows her to reconnect with the atmosphere and cuisine of Indonesia.

“Although I am far from home, I can once again feel the warmth of Indonesia through moments like this. Most importantly, I get to enjoy Indonesian cuisine again,” she said.

Joice, a member of the ASEAN community from the Philippines, also praised the role of the Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé, which she described as a home for the ASEAN community in Cameroon.

The celebration concluded with a reception and Indonesian culinary feast. On the occasion, the Indonesian Embassy in Yaoundé also served nasi tumpeng, a traditional cone-shaped rice dish symbolizing togetherness, unity, and diversity.