Colourful Traditional Attire and Songket Enliven Indonesia's Independence Day Ceremony in Abu Dhabi
The ceremony commemorating the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s independence at the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi was held in a festive atmosphere. Indonesian citizens in the United Arab Emirates attended the independence day ceremony wearing a variety of colourful traditional attire, batik, and songket from various regions across Indonesia.
According to a written statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Monday (17/8/2026), the ceremony began at 7:00 a.m. Abu Dhabi time. Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE Judha Nugraha served as the ceremony inspector, while the ceremony commander was the Assistant Defence Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, Marine Major Rizki Apriansyah.
Judha stated that the cultural diversity present at the independence commemoration reflects one of the Indonesian nation’s key strengths. “The colourful traditional attire and wastra we see today reflect the face of Indonesia. We come from various regions and traditions, but under the Red and White we are one Indonesia. This diversity is one of our nation’s strengths,” said Ambassador Judha.
The raising of the Red and White flag was carried out by the Indonesian Embassy’s flag-raising troop, consisting of 11 young Indonesian men and women residing in the UAE who had undergone a selection and training process. The involvement of the younger generation is an important part of fostering nationalism and love for the homeland, including for Indonesian children growing up far from Indonesia.
Among the participants were a number of foreign nationals who are spouses of Indonesian citizens, attending with their families and sharing in the festive atmosphere of Indonesia’s independence commemoration in Abu Dhabi.
After the ceremony, the sense of togetherness continued with the cutting of tumpeng and various traditional 17 August games for children. The festivities included a cracker-eating competition, a pencil-into-bottle race, and a children’s regional attire fashion show. A competition for the best regional attire and wastra was also held to further enliven the occasion while encouraging the Indonesian community in the UAE to continue learning about, wearing, and promoting the cultural wealth of the archipelago.
Ambassador Judha emphasised the importance of maintaining the connection of young Indonesians abroad with their identity and cultural roots. “We want the young generation of Indonesians growing up abroad to continue to know their cultural roots, be proud to be Indonesian, and carry the spirit of unity and mutual cooperation wherever they are. Indonesia’s cultural wealth also serves as a bridge to bring Indonesia closer to the people of the UAE and the international community,” he said.
This year’s 81st independence anniversary commemoration holds special meaning as it coincides with the Golden Jubilee of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the UAE. Since diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1976, cooperation between Indonesia and the UAE has continued to grow in various fields, including economy, investment, energy, education, culture, and people-to-people relations.
Judha noted that the 50-year milestone is also an opportunity to further introduce Indonesia to the people of the UAE through culture, cuisine, arts, tourism, and various people-to-people interactions.