JABAR EKSPRES – Indonesian Ambassador to Timor Leste Okto Dorinus Manik said he was touched to see the high enthusiasm of around 500 Indonesian citizens in Dili, Timor Leste, participating in the ceremony to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence at the Indonesian Embassy in Dili, Thursday, 17 August 2023.

“I was touched to see them from various different work components present even though this is actually a working day, but they are ready to take the time to participate in the ceremony,” Okto said as quoted by JabarEkspres.com from Antara News on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

Read more: GCC Wants Russia and Ukraine to Make Peace

The 500 Indonesians wore traditional clothes from various regions in Indonesia.

Okto said that hundreds of Indonesian citizens from various professions, from BUMN employees, entrepreneurs, to Indonesian workers living in Dili, were very enthusiastic about participating in the ceremony.

The hour-long ceremony began with the raising of the flag at 09.00 local time and was led by Defense Attaché of the Indonesian Embassy in Dili Colonel Yunianus Simamora.

Afterwards, the Indonesian Embassy in Dili held a hospitality event with all Indonesian citizens which was also attended by Timor Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bendito dos Santos Freitas.

“After the ceremony, I told the Indonesian citizens present to maintain togetherness and unity among the components of society here,” Okto said.

Okto said that since mid-July, the Indonesian Embassy in Dili has held various competitions to commemorate Independence Day.

“We also sowed flowers at the Seroja Heroes Cemetery yesterday, maybe in other countries there is no such thing because only Timor Leste has a heroes cemetery abroad,” Okto said.

The flag-lowering ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Dili will be held at 4.30pm local time and led by Police Attaché Kombes Pol Mikel da Costa.