(Phnom Penh): On 17 August 2025, around 400 Indonesian citizens gathered at the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh since 6:30 a.m. to take part in the flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day. Present as well were representatives from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and Cambodian National Police (CNP).
Following the flag hoisting ceremony, attendees took part in the Embassy’s “Pesta Rakyat” or community festival, which was highlighted by the cutting and serving of tumpeng (yellow rice symbolizing gratitude for the auspicious occasion). The festivities also included music and cultural performances and traditional games as well as a culinary feast featuring authentic Indonesian dishes. And those wearing the best and most vibrant traditional costumes were recognized with awards.
In his remarks at the beginning ot the festival, Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the Indonesian community’s enthusiasm in celebrating Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day. He emphasized that, as part of the Indonesian diaspora, we realize the spirit of independence through “concrete actions, hard work, and most importantly, maintaining our unity wherever we are.”
The Independence Day celebration is one of the most anticipated annual events for Indonesians living abroad, as it offers a chance to reconnect with fellow citizens. In the weeks leading up today’s ceremony and festival, the Embassy organized sports competitions such as badminton, table tennis, and traditional games—activities that serve as a welcome remedy for homesickness among many Indonesians in Phnom Penh.
As part of the annual tradition, Ambassador Santo handed achievement awards to those who have contributed extensively to the Indonesian community and the Embassy’s diplomatic mission. The Community Award was presented to Meilani Martaria, who has taught traditional Indonesian musical instruments to many Indonesian and Cambodian children at the Indonesian Cultural Center. The Staff Award went to Mr. Heng Chanta, who has has devoted over two decades of service to the Embassy.
The celebration also featured a blood donation drive, organized in cooperation with the National Blood Transfusion Center (NBTC) Cambodia. The initiative aimed to collect 80 bags of blood in honor of Indonesia’s 80th anniversary and was open to all nationalities, reflecting the spirit of independence through care and sharing.
In recent years, the Indonesian community in Cambodia has grown rapidly, amounting to over 131,000 Indonesians in 2024. The surge of Indonesians living in Cambodia has also been coupled with intensifying economic partnerships, especially in trade and investment. Ambassador Santo continuosly encourages the Indonesian community to strengthen ties with our local Cambodian hosts as well as contribute positively towards the growth of bilateral cooperation.
=FRESH NEWS
