Indonesian Embassy in Ankara holds Red and White Festival to mark Independence Day
The Indonesian Embassy in Ankara held the Red and White Festival to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence.
More than a thousand participants, including members of the Indonesian community, Turkish citizens, ambassadors of friendly nations, and members of the diplomatic corps, joined in enlivening the event held in Ankara on Saturday (15/8).
“The Red and White Festival is not only a celebration of Indonesian independence, but also a celebration of friendship,” said Indonesian Ambassador to Türkiye Achmad Rizal Purnama in a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara on Sunday.
“Today, for a moment, we bring Indonesia to the heart of Ankara. The spirit of independence that we celebrate together also serves as a reminder of the journey towards Indonesia Maju 2045—a future built on optimism,” Ambassador Rizal added.
The festival provided an opportunity to introduce the richness of Indonesian culture to the Turkish public.
Various traditional games and competitions, an Indonesian bazaar, door prizes, as well as music and dance performances contributed to a lively atmosphere and brought a touch of Indonesia to the centre of Ankara.
Indonesia’s cultural diversity was showcased through a number of traditional performances, including Ribang Kemambang from South Sumatra, Kembang Jatoh from Jakarta, and the iconic Kecak Dance from Bali.
The festival was further enlivened by performances from Karisik Band, Indonesian students from Sakarya, as well as Indonesian artists Echa and Arumi.
Various door prizes added to the excitement of the event, ranging from electronic devices to the grand prize of round-trip flight tickets between Türkiye and Indonesia.
These prizes not only served as an attraction for participants, but also opened opportunities for the winners to get to know and experience Indonesia first-hand.
Children and adults alike enthusiastically took part in various competitions inspired by the traditions of Indonesian Independence Day celebrations. These activities created an atmosphere full of joy while serving as a means of introducing the values of togetherness and Indonesian traditions to the Turkish public.
The presence of a group of people with disabilities from Yalova lent special meaning to the celebration. Their participation reflected a spirit of inclusiveness and friendship that transcends differences, while strengthening people-to-people ties between Indonesia and Türkiye.
Through culture, music, cuisine, games, and interaction between communities, the Red and White Festival reflected the warmth of bilateral relations between the two countries.
At the age of 81 years of independence, the spirit of the Red and White Festival serves as a reminder that Indonesia’s journey does not stop at past achievements. Independence continues to be kept alive through unity, diversity, friendship, and the conviction to work together to realise Indonesia Maju 2045, according to the statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara.