Indonesia | Independence Day
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
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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