Indonesia | Independence Day

Embassy Network | 22nd March 2017

Ambassador Sukma gives his Independence Day address

Musician Dani Dumadi sings the national anthems

Javanese fashions

The Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Indonesia the Hon Richard Graham MP toasts Indonesia’s Independence and Armed Forces Day

The High Commissioner for Malawi Mr Kena Mphonda and the High Commissioner for Kenya Mr Lazarus Amayo

Traditional Indonesian dress

Ambassador Sukma, Mrs Hana Satriyo, Mrs Shil Rhee and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Mr Hwang Joonkook

The Ambassador of Cambodia Mr Kim Heng Meas, Ambassador Sukma and Mrs Hana Satriyo

The Ambassador of Kazakhstan Mr Yerzhan Kazykhanov congratulates Ambassador Sukma

Thai Ambassador Mr Kittiphong Na Ranong, Ambassador Sukma, his wife Hana and Ms Nuchjaree Klongsungsorn

The Ambassador of Kuwait and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Mr Khaled Al Duwaisan, the FCO Director of Protocol Mr Julian Evans and the Ambassador of the Philippines Mr Evan Garcia

Jasmine and Barley Norton play the Kecapi Suling, from West Java

A taste of Indonesia

Guests attending Indonesia’s 71st Independence Day were transported to an Indonesian street food market with stalls serving tasty satay, soto and sweets, accompanied by coffee brewed from beans from across the archipelago. There was also an exhibition of Indonesia arts and Kecapi Suling music from West Java.

In his address, Ambassador Rizal Sukma reflected on how far Indonesia had come and how it was carving a global role as an “anchor of stability” in the region, “a maritime fulcrum” and aspirant non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2018. As Britain entered a new era, the Ambassador said both nations were looking forward to exploring opportunities and a deepening friendship.

This was symbolised by the traditional cutting of the ‘Tumpeng’ by the Guest of Honour, the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Indonesia the Hon Richard Graham MP, who opened the festivities.

PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS