Islamabad, Aug 8,2026: The Embassy of Indonesia in Islamabad organized a vibrant community event on Saturday as part of activities leading up to Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary, bringing together hundreds of Indonesian nationals and their families.
The event featured traditional Indonesian games, sports competitions, cultural activities, and a food bazaar, providing an opportunity for the Indonesian community in Pakistan to celebrate their national spirit while strengthening people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Pakistan.
The celebrations began with a community gym session at Garuda Lawn on the Embassy premises, led by Indonesian student Rama Fauzan, a student of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), along with his Pakistani counterpart Maryam.
Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan, Chandra W. Sukotjo, accompanied by his spouse Tamara Y. Sukotjo, attended the event and interacted with members of the Indonesian community.
The participants included Indonesian diplomats and their families, students, pilots, journalists, staff members of international organizations and Indonesian nationals married to Pakistanis, besides members of the wider Indonesian diaspora from different parts of Pakistan.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Sukotjo said the gathering reflected the longstanding friendship and strong people-to-people relations between Indonesia and Pakistan.
He said Indonesia was preparing to celebrate its 81st Independence Anniversary under the theme “Indonesia Berdaulat, Adil dan Makmur” (Indonesia Sovereign, Just and Prosperous).
The Ambassador invited Indonesian nationals to consider the Embassy their home and distributed red-and-white shirts featuring a Batik pattern from Kalimantan. He described the shirts as a gift from Indonesian taxpayers aimed at sharing the spirit, pride and togetherness of the Independence celebrations.
A food bazaar was among the major attractions of the event, offering a variety of traditional Indonesian dishes, including Nasi Padang, Siomay Ikan, Bakso Kuah, Es Cendol, Peyek, Mendoan and Kacang Telur.
Desi Mediawati, an Indonesian national living in Faisalabad and married to a Pakistani, said the gathering and authentic Indonesian cuisine gave her a strong sense of home and belonging despite living far from other Indonesians.
Traditional games, including Balap Karung (sack race), Tarik Tambang (tug of war) and Joget Tomat (tomato dance), attracted children and adults and created an atmosphere of friendship and lively competition.
Head of the Indonesian Student Association in Pakistan Muhsin Nasir said the event helped Indonesian students remain connected with their homeland and culture while living abroad.
The programme also included badminton, table tennis, volleyball and futsal tournaments, promoting teamwork and camaraderie among Embassy officials, students and members of the Indonesian community.
The Embassy thanked the organizing committee, volunteers, participants and sponsors for their contribution to making the event successful, as preparations continue for the main celebrations marking Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary.
