ISLAMABAD: The celebration of the 79th Indonesian National Day Thursday night was a vibrant display of culture, unity and pride. The hall of the Marriott Hotel was adorned with rich red and white decorations symbolising the national flag, exuded an air of elegance. Flower arrangements in vivid tropical colours, welcomed guests with their fragrant scent -Batik fabric and cultural ornaments.

The soft glow of lamps cast a warm light over the room, creating a festive yet intimate atmosphere.

The Indonesian charge d’ Affaires, diplomats and their families adorned traditional dresses and colourful ethnic outfits.

The decorations seamlessly blended symbolism and aesthetics, celebrating the shared values of the two nations.The theme of the reception was ‘New Nusantara, Advanced Indonesia’, which referred to the current massive development of infrastructure and connectivity across the Indonesian archipelago, including the Indonesian new capital city of Nusantara (IKN).

Guests from all walks of life, including dignitaries, expatriates and local community members, mingled and exchanged stories. The air was filled with the gentle sound of traditional music, adding a graceful backdrop to the lively conversations. At the heart of the celebration were the incredible Indonesian delicacies displayed on long, beautifully arranged tables,beckoning guests to indulge.

The vibrant colours of the dishes reflected the diversity of Indonesia’s many islands, each bite a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage.As the evening progressed, a traditional dance performance captivated the crowd. Dancers in elaborate costumes gracefully moved to the rhythm of the music, their precise movements telling stories of Indonesia’s deep cultural roots.

The room was alive with admiration, as the audience applauded the dancers’ skill and beauty. The night ended with a heartfelt speech from the Indonesian Charge d’ Affaires Rahmat Hindiarta and his spouse who spoke of the nation’s progress, unity and future aspirations.

“Indonesia is an example for political stability, national unity and economic prosperity,” he added.

Touching upon economic cooperation, Rahmat Hindiarta noted that Indonesia and Pakistan had significant untapped opportunities in trade and investment. He invited the Pakistani business community to attend the Indonesia and South and Central Asia Business Forum (INASCA) on October 7, as well as the prestigious Trade Expo Indonesia on Oct 9-12.

As the guests slowly departed, they carried with them not only the taste of Indonesia’s finest dishes but also the spirit of togetherness that had defined the evening.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2024