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US Embassy celebrates 4th of July earlier out of respect for Ramadhan
Hand-in-hand: US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake (right), Jakarta Governor Basuki âAhokâ Tjahaja Purnama (left) and Peopleâs Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Zulkifli Hasan (second left) cut a cake to mark the anniversary of the 239th US Independence Day at the ambassadorâs residence in Jakarta on Thursday
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Hand-in-hand: US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake (right), Jakarta Governor Basuki âAhokâ Tjahaja Purnama (left) and Peopleâs Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Zulkifli Hasan (second left) cut a cake to mark the anniversary of the 239th US Independence Day at the ambassadorâs residence in Jakarta on Thursday. The celebration was held a month ahead of July 4 so as not to disrupt the Ramadhan fasting month, starting later this month, when people will be busier with breaking-the-fast events and prayers.(JP/Wendra Ajistyatama) (right), Jakarta Governor Basuki âAhokâ Tjahaja Purnama (left) and Peopleâs Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Zulkifli Hasan (second left) cut a cake to mark the anniversary of the 239th US Independence Day at the ambassadorâs residence in Jakarta on Thursday. The celebration was held a month ahead of July 4 so as not to disrupt the Ramadhan fasting month, starting later this month, when people will be busier with breaking-the-fast events and prayers.(JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
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span class="caption">Hand-in-hand: US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Blake (right), Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama (left) and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) speaker Zulkifli Hasan (second left) cut a cake to mark the anniversary of the 239th US Independence Day at the ambassador's residence in Jakarta on Thursday. The celebration was held a month ahead of July 4 so as not to disrupt the Ramadhan fasting month, starting later this month, when people will be busier with breaking-the-fast events and prayers.(JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
The United States Embassy enjoyed its annual 4th of July celebration on Thursday, June 4, one month early, in order to respect the upcoming Ramadhan month, which will begin on June 17 and last for one month.
US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert O. Blake and US Ambassador to ASEAN Nina Hachigian presided over the festivities, which involved brass band renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya.
Blake explained that the theme of the event leaned toward 'green' development, which supported the US' focus on building and promoting a green economy and more environmentally sustainable development.
He also praised Indonesia's performance as a fully functioning democracy, aiming for further collaboration between the two countries in the years to come.
'The US will continue to support Indonesia in the future through its democratic achievements. Democracy is an American value which we have championed since [the country's birth in] 1776,' Blake told the crowd during the festivities at his residence near Taman Suropati, Central Jakarta, on Thursday.
He added that moving the 4th of July celebrations to June 4 was one done out of respect for the upcoming Ramadhan month, which will last from June 17 to July 17.
The event also showcased a number of American products and businesses, including the Zero FX Electric Motorcycles, which Blake explained were an environmentally friendly vehicle used by the California Highway Patrol.
Several high-level Indonesian officials attended the festivities, including Jakarta Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama, Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan, Coordinating Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil, Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir and Industry Minister Saleh Husin. Other figures such as Golkar Party chairman Aburizal Bakrie were also in attendance.
The United States declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.
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'The United States will continue to support Indonesia in the future through its democratic achievements.'
