National Day Reception Commemorating the 73^rd Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia

by Suman Gupta

The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, Mumbai convened a National Day Reception at Mumbai to commemorate the 73^rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. The event was attended by a large gathering of over 300 people. The attendees included Senior officials of Government of India and Government of Maharashtra. Members of diplomatic corps; Trade and Business Associations, business communities, travel and tourism industry, media personnel; prominent Indian nationals along with Indonesian nationals residing under the  jurisdiction of the mission.

The Chief Guest of event was Mr. Nand Kumar, Principal Secretary and Chief of Protocol of the Government of Maharashtra. In his remarks, Mr. Ade Sukendar, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Mumbai stressed that Indonesia-India friendship and cooperation will intensify further in the years ahead with Indonesian business leaders will extend their strong commitment and goodwill to further explore new opportunities as well as continue working with the Indian business leaders to enhance cooperation in all dimensions.The Chief Guest Mr. Nand Kumar spoked about the spirit of friendship between Indonesia and India and about the strong will of both countries to increase and develop cooperation.

Indonesian dancers presented three traditional dances named Tari Cendrawasih – this welcome dance is performed to welcoming the guests which again is represented through the beautiful and energetic movements of the dancers. The second dance performed was Tari Piring Dance – or Plate Dance is the art of dance held by the Minangkabau tribe in West Sumatra. This dance reflects the life of traditional Minangkabau people at the time of working in the ricefield. The dance expresses happiness of the farmers as well as their gratitude to God for the very successful harvest. While the third dance performed was Indragiri dance from Riau Province, this dance is to express their love for Indragiri city.

The Indonesian Consul General, Mr. Ade Sukendar held the tradition of cutting the Nasi Tumpeng which was then presented to Chief Guest Mr. Nand Kumar, Principal Secretary and Chief of Protocol of Government of Maharashtra. The guests enjoyed the Indonesian cuisine such as satay, siomay, gado-gado, layered cake followed by other cuisines amidst the beautiful view of Bali Gate the main attraction of the event which was displayed at the venue. Bali Gate known as “Candi bentar,” or ornate split gate is found in many of Bali’s temples in Indonesia. Indonesian Travel & Tourism attractions were promoted such as 10 new travel destinations to match the popularity of Bali among foreign tourists with travel destinations such as : Toba Lake in North Sumatra, Tanjung Kelayang in Bangka Belitung, Borobudur temple in Yogyakarta, Wakatobi in Southeast Sulawesi, Morotai in North Maluku, Tanjung Lesung in Banten, Pulau Seribu in Jakarta, Bromo in East Java, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara and Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara. Also displayed was Indonesian Batik a masterpiece of Indonesia’s cultural heritage which has continued to flourish over the years and has shown signs of becoming even more widespread boosted by the dynamic development in technology and economy. Huge promotional posters promoting Indonesian Travel & Tourism were displayed. International Air-tickets from Garuda Indonesia Airlines stationed in Mumbai along with complimentary Hotel stay vouchers from leading hotels from Indonesia were distributed during the lucky draw session held in honor of the present dignitaries and invitees.

Indonesian Consulate General, Mumbai also promoted the forthcoming major events such as Asian Games 2018 being held in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia for the period from 18^th August – 2^nd September 2018, Secondly the IMF World Bank Group Meeting going to be held from October 12-14, 2018 at Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia while the third major event being Trade Expo Indonesia 2018 going to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia for the period of October 24-28, 2018.

All this series of events being promoted by Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, Mumbai and are expected to tap the vast economic and cultural potentials between the two friendly countries.