“Indonesians truly believe that every nation has the right to freedom”
Edited by Anna Popper
In commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence, observed every year on 17 August, H.E. Mr. A. H. Dimas Wahab, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Hungary, and Mrs. Dewi Hartati Wahab hosted a grand diplomatic reception with an exceptional cultural show at the Ambassador’s Residence as part of Indonesia’s vibrant cultural diplomacy.
This joyful event brought together a distinguished gathering of high-ranking government officials, including the Guest of Honour Mr. Dániel Lőrincz, Director General, Department of Fastest Growing Economies at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, business executives, academics, cultural representatives, friends of Indonesia and nationals of this great country in Southeast Asia living and working in Hungary.
As a nation of over 280 million people and 300 ethnic groups spread across more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia’s annual Independence Day celebrations showcase its rich multicultural identity, promoting solidarity and embodying their national motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – “Unity in Diversity”.
Set in the beautifully adorned garden of the Residence, the celebration commenced with the national anthems of Indonesia and Hungary, gracefully performed by renowned Indonesian singer Mrs. Lea Simanjuntak.
Following the anthems, Ambassador Dimas Wahab took the stage and delivered his address in Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian language), emphasizing the significance of this milestone anniversary – a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s history after long colonial regime – and reflecting on the nation’s remarkable journey towards progress and unity:
“Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Friends, Assalamualaikum, Om Swastiastu, Namo Budaya, Salam Kebajikan, a very good evening to everyone! It is an absolute honour to welcome you here today to celebrate the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence.
To be a great nation has always been our nation’s aspiration since it was once declared by our founding fathers. We embarked on this noble goal from a strong will to be sovereign and free – free from any form of oppression, especially that of the colonialists. It is important to know that Indonesian independence was never presented to us on a silver platter. Indonesia fought hard for its freedom, paying a high price with the lives of millions of heroes and heroines.
Even after Indonesia proclaimed its sovereignty and freedom to the world on 17th August 1945, many colonialist oppressors tried to overrule it and regain power. At least four years after the Indonesian Declaration of Independence, our heroic fighters were again forced to fight bloody battles to defend that freedom. Again, thousands of precious lives were lost.
Since the ancient times, Indonesians have always been a people with a noble fighting spirit and we will continue to be so. We bravely fought for our freedom even if it cost us our lives. Indonesia will continue to fight courageously for its dreams and aspirations. Our spirit is our greatest strength and the endeavour to guide the nation to reach its golden era.
Indonesians truly believe that every nation has the right to freedom. Today, we solemnly commemorate our 79th anniversary of independence in gratitude for the freedom granted to us by our founding fathers, and also for all the world’s heroes who have fought for that right, wherever they may be.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Almost a decade after our declaration of independence, Indonesia and Hungary formalized their friendship through the establishment of diplomatic relations on 26 June 1955. During these 69 years of friendship, both countries have grown even closer in cooperation and partnership.
In the field of education, the cooperation has even benefited both countries, as the alumni of mutual scholarships and exchanges of academics have now gained strategic positions as policy-makers at both governmental institutions and non-governmental sectors, including industries, civil societies, research centres and higher education institutions. Closer people-to-people contacts have now reached a very promising dynamic.
In economic terms, various strategic cooperation schemes are being initiated. One of the largest ongoing projects is the Hungarian investment on the implementation of a traffic engineering program, Multi Lane Free Flow, in various cities in Indonesia.
To many Indonesians, a lot of Hungarian products are easily recognizable. These products have even become a positive identity construct of Hungary as a nation in Indonesia. At the same time, I am also privileged to see many Indonesian products sold on the Hungarian market, including electronics, garments and even shoes. It is noteworthy that the number of Indonesians working in Hungary has also increased significantly since 2020. Within a period of four years, we have recorded an increase of up to four times as many as before. This is obviously one of the strategic cooperation schemes to be further developed mutually.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
on 20 October 2024, Indonesia inaugurates a new democratically elected president and begins a new chapter of leadership.
The leadership of outgoing President Joko Widodo will be continued by the new President Mr. Prabowo Subianto, who will lead Indonesia and carry on the vision of achieving the era of Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision or Indonesia Emas 2045.
Indonesia has a lot of grand agendas as part of its envisioned Golden Era. One of them is the relocation of its capital to the new one, Nusantara, located on the Island of Kalimantan (also known as Borneo), around 1.260 km away from the current capital Jakarta (on Java Island). To officially mark this historic event, President Joko Widodo together with President-elect Prabowo Subianto officiated the annual flag raising ceremony to commemorate Independence Day on 17 August 2024 at the new capital of Nusantara, or as Indonesians call Nusantara: ‘IKN’, short for Ibu Kota Nusantara, which means ‘New Capital Nusantara’ in Indonesian. The ongoing construction of the new capital started in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 20 years.
Nowadays, Indonesia is experiencing a demographic bonus, in which the population is dominated by people of productive age. In 2045 Indonesia’s population is forecasted to reach 320 million. To fully benefit from this demography, Indonesia will ensure 8% of national economic growth. The down-streaming industry is going to be one of Indonesia’s strategic pivots to make the leap in its economic growth.
Indonesia thanks for the cooperation and unwavering supports, especially to all the honourable guests who are here today commemorating and celebrating with us our blessed Independence Day. Indonesia extends its gratitude and appreciation to the Government and the people of Hungary for the friendship and cooperation. On this occasion, please allow me to convey my sincere hope that these friendly ties between Indonesia and Hungary will continue to flourish in the future.
Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my beloved wife, Dewi, all the sponsors and my esteemed colleagues at the Indonesian Embassy who dedicated their time and energy to the successful organization of this event.
I would also like to express my appreciation to the Indonesian Diva, Miss Lea Simanjuntak and her team of musicians, Mr. Trias and friends who came all the way from Jakarta for this special occasion.”
“Terima Kasih, Thank you, Köszönöm szépen!”
The celebration continued with a spectacular Indonesian male dance, the Topeng Kelana from West Java, accompanied by Gamelan ensemble, performed by Romario Patogian, a staff member of the Indonesian Embassy. The solo dancer wears an intricate red mask to portray the character, using dramatic and expressive masculine movements to project the story’s emotional depth. In ancient times, the dance was performed exclusively for royalty.
Hundreds of guests were captivated by the renowned Indonesian singer Mrs. Lea Simanjuntak, who enchanted the international audience with her remarkable voice and vibrant stage presence. Performing hits from her world music repertoire, she created a joyful atmosphere that inspired the audience to sing and dance along.
This lively celebration was the highlight of the evening, underscoring the universal connection that music fosters, while attendees savoured delicious Indonesian specialties from a lavish buffet.
Long live the Republic of Indonesia and Hungary, in the spirit of the upcoming 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries to be celebrated in 2025!
Source: Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Budapest, Mr Yudie Gunawan
Photos by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Yudie Gunawan and DPA
