KUALA LUMPUR: Some 300 Indonesians thronged the Republic’s embassy here, today, to celebrate their nation’s 74th Independence Day.
The festivities included the raising of Indonesia’s flag – the ‘Sang Merah Putih’ – by student representatives of Sekolah Indonesia Kuala Lumpur; and the playing of the national anthem, ‘Indonesia Raya’.
Indonesia declared its independence from the Netherlands on Aug 17, 1945.
The event was a double celebration, as today is the birthday of Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia, Rusdi Kirana.
The billionaire owner of Lion Air was touched by the fete.
"The celebration today is very meaningful to us, and I hope that Indonesia will develop tremendously in terms of its competitiveness at the international level to achieve stronger economic development," he said.
Asked on his opinion on the Indonesian government's plan to relocate his country’s capital city to Kalimantan, Rusdi said he lauds the move and believes that it would strengthen ties between Kalimantan, Sabah and Sarawak; and indirectly boost the economy and human capital of Kalimantan and Borneo.
On bilateral ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, he said he hopes the relationship will grow stronger.
Rusdi noted that Indonesian President Joko Widodo visited Malaysia just last week.
"The visit from the Indonesian President to Malaysia and his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad went well.
"I believe this visit was his first to an Asean country (after being re-elected as President), and his discussion with Dr Mahathir as regards economic development received a good response.
"I hope we can strengthen our ties even further," he added.