Hundreds of Indonesians celebrate 81st Independence Day in Penang

A total of 700 Indonesian citizens from Penang, Kedah, and Perlis commemorated the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence at Wisma Indonesia Penang, George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, on Monday.

The Indonesian Consulate General in Penang, in a statement received by ANTARA in Kuala Lumpur, said the series of commemorations began with a flag ceremony attended by the Indonesian community from the consulate’s working area.

Indonesian Consul General in Penang Wanton Saragih Sidauruk acted as the ceremony inspector, while the KJRI Penang flag-raising team was tasked with hoisting the Red and White flag.

The ceremony included a salute to the Red and White flag, the reading of the Proclamation text, a moment of silence, the reading of Pancasila and the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, and prayers.

During the event, KJRI Penang also presented the Satyalancana Karya Satya honour to two employees for 30 years and 20 years of service.

After the ceremony, the activities continued with a consular services briefing, the presentation of awards to employees, and the cutting of a tumpeng as an expression of gratitude for the independence commemoration.

A joint prayer was also held for communities affected by the earthquake disaster in Indonesia.

The series of events for the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence was further enlivened by cultural performances from Sanggar Bimbingan Permai Penang and Sanggar Bimbingan Permai Kulim, which presented traditional Indonesian dances.

Various competitions were also participated in by Indonesian citizens ranging from children to adults.

KJRI Penang stated that the activities were part of efforts to maintain the spirit of unity, togetherness, and love for Indonesia among Indonesian citizens in Malaysia.

KJRI Penang also expressed its commitment to continue providing services and protection to Indonesian citizens in its working area, which covers Penang, Kedah, and Perlis.