Indonesian mission kicks off I-Day celebrations

Around 150 people in their sports wear attended the opening ceremony during which the ambassador released red and white balloons in the air reflecting the Indonesian flag colours.

The Indonesian embassy will mark the country’s 63^rd independence anniversary on August 17 but before the I-Day every year the Indonesians hold cultural and traditional programmes and sports activities. The official flag-hoisting ceremony will be held on August 17.

The cultural activities organised by the embassy are aimed at generating a sense of togetherness and solidarity among the Indonesian society. According to embassy sources, around 20,000 Indonesians are in Abu Dhabi and 50,000 in Dubai and other emirates. Supriyadi said, “Every year we hold these activities before the Independence Day to commemorate the event. We conduct sport competitions for men and women. We intend to boost the spirit of solidarity among our people through sports and other activities.”

Abdi Satya Utama, Third Secretary at the Indonesian embassy in Abu Dhabi, said among the sports activities this year would be tennis, table tennis, badminton, bowling and dart games. The sports competitions will be held on Thursday and Friday afternoon from May 17 till the end of July, Utama said.