Foreign tourists in Bali enthusiastic to witness Indonesian Independence Day flag ceremony
A number of foreign tourists in Bali were seen enthusiastically watching the flag-raising ceremony for the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at Niti Mandala Renon field, Denpasar, on Monday.
“I wanted to experience it, I am in another country so I wanted to feel what they do and attend the things that happen in their country, especially since this is a historic event, 81 years of independence, this is a big event and it is enjoyable to be able to witness it,” said Keiran (31), a tourist from England.
Around the ceremony area, about 10 foreign tourists were seen mingling at the edge of the field, some of them appeared to have brought family members and children, and were capturing the moment of the flag-raising with their mobile phone cameras.
Keiran admitted that he deliberately walked alone from his hotel to the field to experience first-hand the atmosphere of the historic day.
He even intentionally wore a red T-shirt and white trousers as a form of solidarity.
“I saw the flag and thought this is a good way to show solidarity and an effort to join in the celebration, although after seeing others wearing sarongs and white tops I felt a little underdressed, but this is my way of trying to be present,” he said.
Keiran, who is on a holiday travelling around Indonesia from Bukittinggi, Sumatra, to Bali and later Lombok, said he was very impressed with the orderliness of the Bali Province Paskibraka parade and the strong sense of nationalism among local residents, even though he had to endure the scorching Denpasar sun.
“Even though I am not Indonesian, there is a sense of pride, everyone here (other foreign tourists) also seems to really like this country, which is a source of pride, and I have to say the (Paskibraka) parade was very good, it was done very well and everyone worked cohesively, they cooperated very well and everything flowed smoothly,” he said.
Responding to the presence of foreign tourists crowding the area outside the field, Bali Governor Wayan Koster welcomed the enthusiasm positively.
In addition to the Bali Provincial Government officially inviting representatives of friendly countries, the presence of foreign tourists watching spontaneously is an added value for Bali’s tourism.
“Of course it is very good to see foreign nationals joining in commemorating 17 August, this has its own appeal,” said Wayan Koster.
Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) Bali, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, who was also present, added that foreign tourists have long admired the celebrations on Indonesia’s independence day.
For this reason, on the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence, he also asked all accommodation management in Bali to hold flag ceremonies within their hotel grounds.
As a result, not a few foreign tourists staying at various hotels joined in and mingled during the flag ceremonies and the competitions organised by the management.
“From PHRI’s perspective, we did urge hotels to hold flag ceremonies because this 81st anniversary moment is very special, many hotels carried it out, and the tourists who had been encouraged also took part in the ceremonies at the hotels, they really admire it,” said the Deputy Chairman of PHRI Bali.