« Festive and Bold: The Indonesian Way of Celebrating Independence Day »
August holds special significance for all Indonesians, as the nation of 270 million people celebrates its 79th Independence Day. Since the historic declaration of independence in 1945, the word merdeka, meaning « freedom, » has echoed through the generations. This powerful chant embodies the enduring spirit of liberation and unity, a cherished part of the Indonesian identity—one that is lived, celebrated, and never taken for granted.
That’s why, when Independence Day approaches, Indonesians—no matter where they are in the world—eagerly anticipate the series of Independence Day festivities, mostly organized by Indonesian diplomatic missions abroad. These celebrations are an opportunity to gather, celebrating with immense joy and gratitude, and reflecting the enduring pride in the nation’s sovereignty.
This is especially evident in places far from home, like Geneva, Switzerland. The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations in Geneva plays a vital role in keeping the spirit of Indonesia alive and vibrant among the Indonesian diaspora, consistently organizing a series of Independence Day activities each year.
This year, the first part of the celebration was a formal Flag Ceremony held on the exact date of Independence Day, August 17th. For Indonesians, witnessing the Indonesian flag being raised is a humbling, if not chilling, experience, accompanied by the sound of cannon blasts that emulate what must have been felt on that fateful day in 1945 when the Founding Fathers proclaimed the nation’s independence.
Ceremony participants dress impeccably, in sharp contrast to their everyday attire, opting for either formal wear or traditional clothing from their respective regions. With a nation that boasts hundreds of ethnicities, the ceremony becomes a colorful display of cultural richness. It is a powerful reminder that diversity is not a barrier to unity but rather a unifying force, perfectly encapsulated in Indonesia’s national motto, “Unity in Diversity.”
The second part of the festivities, which offers a stark contrast to the solemnity of the Flag Ceremony, is the Pesta Rakyat, or « Indonesian Festival » in English. This segment of the celebration truly embodies the pinnacle of joy and happiness associated with Indonesia’s Independence Day.
On a special Saturday, August 24th, the lush garden of the Indonesian Ambassador’s residence in Vesenaz, Geneva, was transformed into a vibrant scene straight out of the 70s. Themed “Back to the 70s,” the event was filled with decorations and music from that era, creating an unforgettable occasion. The celebration was dominated by the colors red and white, reflecting the Indonesian flag, with hundreds of guests dressed in 70s-inspired outfits, adding to the festive atmosphere and making the event even more vibrant.
This annual celebration saw hundreds of Indonesian diasporas from all over Switzerland come together with their families. They exemplified what it means to be Indonesian: warm, friendly, full of contagious smiles, and most importantly, a deep love for singing, dancing, and celebrating life with great joy.
A standout feature of the celebration was the performance by T-Koos, an Indonesian band that fully embraced the 70s theme. The band members dressed like The Beatles, complete with vintage hairstyles and outfits, perfectly emulating the iconic look of a 70s band. As a band consisting of young brothers, performing in Switzerland was a great honor for them—not just in front of the Indonesian community, but also for the local Geneva audience at the Pickwick Club. This opportunity was made possible through the support of an Indonesian company, Bank Sinarmas, which is committed to advancing the careers of Indonesian artists.
“The joy and camaraderie among the Indonesian community this year are truly palpable as we celebrate our Independence Day, especially while reminiscing with songs from the 70s and 90s,” said Ambassador Febrian A. Ruddyard, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Indonesia to the UN in Geneva
No Indonesian Independence Day celebration would be complete without the traditional 17 August games, which added to the excitement of the day. The event featured fun-filled competitions like tug-of-war, sack races, marble-and-spoon races, and the classic pencil-in-a-bottle game. While these activities might seem amusing to foreign guests, they are a cherished sight for almost all Indonesians, evoking memories of similar celebrations back home.
The Indonesian Festival also served as a showcase of Indonesian culture, traditions, and even the progress of homegrown industries. The bazaar of Indonesian food and products, supported by the Indonesian diaspora and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from various cities across Switzerland, provided attendees with a nostalgic taste of home.
Many private Indonesian companies contributed to the event, using it as an opportunity to display and promote products of global quality. For example, Polygon Indonesia showcased their efforts to break into international markets with their bicycles, while Saviosa introduced luxury beauty products, and PT. Ciptagria Mutiarabusana represented the garment production industry.
Since 2014, Indonesia has launched a universal healthcare system that now covers more than 250 million people. Two of the country’s social security agencies, BPJS Kesehatan and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, also supported the event, highlighting Indonesia’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens.
Since gaining independence, Indonesia has made remarkable progress, emerging as Southeast Asia’s largest economy and a member of the G20. With a GDP of approximately $1.1 trillion, Indonesia is a rising economic powerhouse. A significant source of this development comes from the contribution of its agricultural sector, particularly from smallholder farmers who play a crucial role in the nation’s economy.
To further emphasize the importance of this sector, the Indonesian Palm Oil Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) took the opportunity of the event to introduce sustainable palm oil development as a strategic national commodity. The palm oil industry in Indonesia is currently undergoing a transformation towards greater sustainability, focusing on empowering small farmers and reinforcing its role in the nation’s economic growth.
The celebrations reached their peak with a grand Diplomatic Reception on September 6th, 2024, where over 500 guests from various nations and international organizations based in Geneva gathered to honor Indonesia’s National Day. The event was a vibrant display of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage, with the venue bursting into life through bright, colorful decorations. Guests were in awe when they were greeted by a towering, colorful puppet, a famous cultural icon from Jakarta, that added a unique touch to the celebration.
This year, the reception paid tribute to Jakarta, the nation’s capital, and its local Betawi community, while also introducing Nusantara—the soon-to-be new capital city. Indonesia, known for seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary flair, managed to break the mold of a typical diplomatic event. The night took an unexpected twist when a flash mob of traditional dancers emerged, inviting the guests to join in on an exuberant Indonesian dance. The spontaneous celebration marked the perfect end to the evening, leaving a lasting impression of Indonesia’s ability to both surprise and delight, while staying true to its roots.
Information and Public Relations Team, Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia in Geneva
