NUR-SULTAN - Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kazakhstan marked the 74th Independence Day.
The celebration of Independence Day started with the official part of flag-hoisting ceremony.
The Embassy representatives in white uniform accepting the flag from the Ambassador's hands delivered it to the flagpole. During the flag-hoisting ceremony everyone sang the national anthem.
After singing the anthem, the Ambassador of Indonesia Mr. Rahmat Pramono, congratulated Indonesian community on the national holiday and told about the history of gaining independence by the country.
"Indonesia has been a colony of the Netherlands for a long time. In Augist 17, 1945, Indonesia declared its independence. This important holiday for Indonesiam people is widely celebrated throughout the country," Mr. Ambassador said.
Also Mr. Rahmat Pramono told about actively developing bilateral relations between Kazakhstan and Indonesia.
"Economy and trade are the main sectors in which we are focused. Last year, trading performance between the two countries amounted to $60 million. By the end of the second quarter of 2019, this figure increased to 140 million dollars, which is an indicator of the positive dynamics. These figures have increased due to import and export of electronics, devices and chemicals.
In addition, there is a dynamic bilateral tourist flow between the two countries. Despite the absence of a direct flight, about five thousand Kazakh tourists visit Indonesia every year" Mr. Rahmat Pramono said.
It is worth noting that the Indonesian Government also provides scholarship programs aimed at studying Indonesian language and culture, as well as obtaining a master's degree in various fields.
"The cultural aspect is important in the development of relations between the two countries. Due to the lack of information about our country, we have established the Cultural Centre of the Republic of Indonesia, where various courses are held to promote the Indonesian language, culture, music and dance," said the Ambassador.
Indonesian cuisine was presented to the guests as part of the national celebration.
Tumpeng is a national Indonesian rice dish with side vegetables and meat. After adding saffron and turmeric, the dish acquires a yellowish color.
In addition to representatives of the Indonesian community, the event was also attended by students from Kazakhstan and Tajikistan who studied in Indonesia within the Indonesian scholarship program.
As Zebunisso Samadova and Isfandier Zaripov, students from Tajikistan said, Indonesia has attracted them with its diverse nature, warm climate and friendly people.
"I found an information about the Indonesian Scholarship Programme in one of social networks. I waited for an answer after sending all necessary documents to the Embassy. After our approval for the scholarship program, we were sent to universities in Indonesia, where we studied the language and cooked national dishes. Indonesia has a unique nature, a lot of attractions and friendly people" Zebunisso Samadova concluded.
Dana TUGAMBEKOVA
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