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everal expatriates in Bali expressed their mixed feelings about the Independence Day of the country they have been living in for more than 10 years.

Giuseppe “Pino” Confessa, the Italian Honorary Consul in Bali since 1998, usually spends the 17th of August by attending a ceremony in the morning and a party in the evening, along with other officials in Bali.

Becoming an Indonesian national 12 years ago, he also feels the excitement of commemorating Independence Day.

“I also feel that this is an important day for Indonesia, the country where I live, where my children were born and grew up, and where we are all embraced and very well accepted,” Pino said.

“All the good things that have happened to us during these years have been obtained from Indonesia, so we are also proud that this country is developing really well, although it encounters many problems as well.”

Steve Castley, who moved to Bali in June 1999, knew that Independence Day was approaching, when he was accosted by flag sellers at every traffic light.

“They appeared like magic as if it was a signal to forget their usual routines and dress up Indonesia in red and white,” said the Australian author of Through My Eyes: Adventures in Bali.

Steve and his Indonesian friends bought flags, rosettes and bunting, with their first priority being to adorn their homes in Ubud, “to demonstrate our national pride”.

“We decorated our car with flags hanging from the outside rearview mirrors, and rosettes dangling from the inside mirror, proudly proclaiming Indonesia as our home.”

Another thing he highlighted from Independence Day celebrations was that he now recognizes the national anthem.

He added that whenever the morning of Aug. 17 arrives, the Ubud community has a range of events planned to commemorate Independence.

“One year, the soccer field was dressed up as the venue. Vendors were everywhere, selling balloons, toys and snacks.”

Steve chose a restaurant beside the grounds and booked a table to ensure they could enjoy great views of the activities.

“We spent the day there and watched the teams of marchers, dined during the speeches and laughed at the greasy pole event.”

However, not everyone thinks that Independence Day is all about celebration. Melina Carusso, who obtained her Indonesian nationality 17 years ago, said the country should fill the day with introspection and protest to the government about conditions in the nation.

“They should stage protests against rampant corruption, poor public facilities, damage to the environment, and substandard education and healthcare,” she said.