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Rain or shine, Indonesians in India celebrate independence in high spirits
Indonesians celebrate Independence Day in New Delhi under light showers and in high spirits.
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Indonesian Ambassador to India Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro (right) salutes the national flag during a ceremony to commemorate 74 years of Indonesia’s independence, in New Delhi, India on Saturday, August 17, 2019. (JP/Tama Salim)
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ight showers and a cool breeze set the scene as hundreds of Indonesians from across India gathered to take part in Indonesia's 74th Independence Day celebrations at the Indonesian Embassy compound in New Delhi early on Saturday.
Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro, Indonesia's Ambassador to India and host of the day's processions, led a flag-hoisting ceremony in front of hundreds of people from the Indonesian diaspora, including embassy staffers, students and guests and friends of Indonesia.
The ceremony kicked off at 9 a.m. local time with the backdrop of light showers — in parts of India considered a symbol of renewal — as the Indonesian community slowly gathered onto the ceremony grounds clad in brightly-colored batik.
The ceremony featured Paskibra (national flag-hoisting squad) comprising a gaggle of young Indonesians who were selected as first-time participants and inaugurated by the envoy before the beginning of the processions.
In an interview with visiting media on the margins of the event, the envoy heaped praise for the young flag-hoisters, who now bear the torch in upholding the values of their forefathers.
“They stand on the shoulders of their predecessors, who in turn stand on the shoulders of our founding fathers,” Sidharto said.
