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Indonesian expats mark Independence Day

ABU DHABI - Indonesians celebrated their 58th Independence Day yesterday with great zeal and enthusiasm and in this connection an impressive flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Indonesian Embassy in the capital which was largely attended by expatriates from all walks of life.

Charge d' Affaires Muhammad Soleh hoisted his country's flag at the Indonesian Embassy. The programmes included a message by Indonesian President Megawati and a speech by the charge d' affaires which was followed by a colourful cultural programme in which school children displayed their singing skills and presented the folk-dance-Gamelan.

The message of the Indonesian president was read out to the audience in which she stressed the need for unity to make the country's defence impregnable.

In his speech, Charge d' Affaires, Muhammad Soleh greeted the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, on his successful surgery he underwent and prayed for his health and long life.

"Under the leadership of President Shaikh Zayed, the bilateral relations between Indonesia and the UAE have touched new heights," he said.

The audience showed great interest in the cultural programme in which children attired in traditional outfits performed the folk dance Gamelan which is popular in Java.

The Indonesian Embassy has been holding various activities such as sports competitions and traditional music programmes to mark the occasion.

Later, talking to reporters, the charge d' affairs said that his country regained its independence from the Dutch colonialists who were ruling the country since 1605.

To a question when a new ambassador will assume the charge, he said Faisal Bafadal may arrive in Abu Dhabi this month to take the charge, replacing Ambassador Ibrahim Yusuf.

The charge d' affaires said Indonesia would hold its first solo exhibition at Sharjah Expo Centre from September 16 to 20 .

The exhibition will showcase goods and commodities manufactured and produced in Indonesia. It will also highlight the massive strides the country has made in the development of tourism and massive investment potentials in Indonesia.

"The event aims at boosting trade relations between the two countries and to promote foreign investments," he said.

He said the embassy had also launched its web site through which the public could access all information on various aspects of Indonesia.

The charge d' affaires asked people interested in visiting Indonesia to download the visa application form from the embassy web site www.Indonesianembassy.ae.

He said that Indonesia was going to hold first direct polls to elect president and vice president in April next year. The embassy has set up a special committee to register Indonesians residing in the UAE as voters.