Reflecting on the Indonesia’s Independence Day Celebration in Melbourne

Contributor: Aisha Adelia - The University of Melbourne

Although far away from our beloved country, Indonesian students, diaspora, and people alike had a festive Independence Day celebration in Melbourne. Several pre-events were held leading up to the 17th of August, including sports tournaments and a musical concert involving Indonesian students and diaspora. On the day, two flag-raising ceremonies were conducted: one in the morning at the Indonesian Consulate General in Melbourne (KJRI Melbourne) and another in the afternoon at Federation Square, a prominent performance space in the city centre. I joined the flag-raising ceremony at the KJRI Melbourne, which was my first time experiencing Independence Day abroad.

At the KJRI Melbourne, more than 1,000 people gathered in the lawn to watch the ceremony. It was like any other flag-raising ceremony in Indonesia, which was perfect because the atmosphere felt like we were transported to Indonesia at that moment. The only difference was, of course, I was freezing because it is winter now, while in Jakarta I used to have sweat running down my face because it was always scorching hot every time we had a flag-raising ceremony. Obviously, I was deeply moved and got teary-eyed a little when they played “Indonesia Pusaka”, one of my all-time favourite Indonesian songs. People were singing along too.

The KJRI Melbourne also presented the Konjen Awards 2025 to influential people and organisations that have contributed to strengthening the Indonesia-Australia relationship, especially in Victoria and Tasmania. These are their names:

●  Bapak John Cheong Holdaway (Gamelan Dananda)

●  ⁠Dr. Taufiq Tanasaldy (University of Tasmania)

●  ⁠Ibu Cas Charles (Ogoh-ogoh Project Tasmania)

●  ⁠Ibu Uppi Turnbull (Tokoh Tralalgon)

●  ⁠Ibu Gerdine Maengkom (Purna Tugas KJRI Melbourne)

●  ⁠Indonesian Culinary Association of Victoria (ICAV)

Honestly, I felt so grateful and proud that the Indonesian diaspora were in high spirits to celebrate the day despite being far from home for such a long time. They seemed to still have the spark, pride, and sense of belonging to Indonesia.

After the ceremony, we were very excited because it was time for some Indonesian snacks. We got a snack box containing arem-arem, risoles, macaroni schotel, and lapis surabaya, which felt like home. The food was delicious, but so cold that some people reheated it under the outdoor portable heater.

While we ate, a choir and band were playing some songs. What I found interesting was that the band, consisting of several Australian teens, flawlessly played Indonesian songs. Later, I learned that these teens do not have any Indonesian blood whatsoever and developed an interest in Indonesian culture while studying Bahasa Indonesia in their school. It was amazing.

In the Federation Square ceremony, the Indonesian flag was raised alongside the Australian flag. Both Indonesians and Australians watched the ceremony, and there was a grand reog performance. All in all, it was my first experience celebrating Independence Day abroad, and it was surely one of the best.