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Indonesians mark country's 71st Independence Day

Abu Dhabi/ Dubai - Ambassador Husin Bagis led the hoisting of Indonesia's red and white flag at his official residence at in Abu Dhabi

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Indonesian diplomatic officials and expats marked their country's 71^st Independence Day in simple ceremonies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai on Wednesday.
Ambassador Husin Bagis led the hoisting of Indonesia's red and white flag at his official residence at Mohammed Bin Zayed City in Abu Dhabi while a simultaneous activity was held at the Indonesian consulate in Dubai where consul-general Arzaf Firman read the message of Indonesian President Joko Widodo to all Indonesian nationals.

Largest Muslim country in the world, #Indonesia's Independence Day being celebrated in #AbuDhabi...(KT/Ryan Lim) pic.twitter.com/1bDVkVrKqE
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 17, 2016

Indonesia, the largest archipelagic state in the world and the most populous Muslim country, proclaimed its independence in Jakarta on August 17, 1945 after being colonised by the Dutch for 350 years and later by Japan for three and half years.
"Today, Indonesia stands as a proud nation that contributes to regional and global stability. As a nation with a sizeable Muslim majority, Indonesia also endeavours to be a blessing for the world," Bagis said.
"We Indonesians, especially in the UAE, are a living example of that ideal. In whatever capacity - be it personal or professional, we must always strive to be a blessing to our surroundings," Bagis added.
Reading the message from President Widodo, consul-general Arzaf Firman said the president has called on all Indonesians, whether they are back home or abroad, "to contribute in anyway for the country's development."
Firman shared the optimistic view held by Widodo that despite the "slow economic growth in the world, Indonesia is in a better position compared to other emerging or developing economies."

#Indonesian expats mark their country's 71st #IndependenceDay . Video by Angel Tesorero/ Khaleej Times pic.twitter.com/hZUvkDhTfP
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 17, 2016

"Although it's economic growth is not as much as we hope for, the country's future is bright and the Independence Day celebration serves as a big push for the government to work harder," said Firman, explaining the gist of Widodo's message.
Meanwhile, aside from celebrating their independence, Indonesia is also marking 40 years of diplomatic relations with the UAE which started in 1976. According to official figures, there are around 80,000 Indonesians living and working in UAE, with 54,000 of them based in Dubai.

Indonesian youth and Dubai resident Demitra Paramecwari told Khaleej Times: "I feel proud to be able to celebrate Indonesian independence here in Dubai. We're able to sing Indonesian songs, eat Indonesian food and just enjoy the day with our Indonesian countrymen."

#Indonesian consul-general Arzaf Firman's message on the occasion of the 71st Independence Day. (Angel Tesorero/ KT) pic.twitter.com/pmltTIU5lQ
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 17, 2016

Indonesian consul Rijal Al Huda said: "all Indonesians serve as ambassadors of Indonesia. Whatever they do will reflect on Indonesia's image. So my advice to them is just to be Indonesians. We are known for our good behaviour, being hospitable and hard-working. Our good characteristics will have a lasting effect to other people on their perception of Indonesia."
 
angel@khaleejtimes.com