Indonesia Celebrated its 64th Independence Day Today: Pledge to Continue Economic Growth and Committed to World Peace

Jakarta, Indonesia | August 17, 2009 by D-8 Secretariat

The people of Indonesia, numbering 230 million, celebrated the Independence Day on August 17th

The celebration kicked of with a 17-gun salute followed by the independence proclamation by the Speaker of Indonesia’s House of Representatives, Agung Laksono. The flag-raising ceremony and parade in front of the palace were also witnessed by Indonesian Cabinet ministers, including Vice-President Jusuf Kalla and foreign delegates and diplomats.

A total of 33 students, representing 33 provinces in Indonesia, were given the honour to be the flag-bearers for the ceremony. The ceremony was broadcasted live by the local television.

The people of Indonesia, numbering 230 million, celebrated the Independence Day nationwide with various activities including flag-raising, parades and telematches like climbing slippery pinang trees and catching ducks.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in his speech that the war against terrorism in the country would continue, adding that people should be actively involved in the campaign to eradicate terrorism in the country.

“To all of Indonesian people, let’s stick together in fighting the terrorists’ acts. Let’s protect our children from wrong and extreme thoughts that could lead them to commit terrorism. Help the apparatus by supplying information on the terrorists who are hiding among our neighborhood,” the president said.

Susilo made the remarks when he delivered in his speech to commemorate national independence day at the parliament building.

He said the state would not bow on terrorists’ threat. “The state must not be defeated and will never be defeated by the terrorists.”

He also said Indonesia would persistently implement its foreign policies aimed at maintaining and sustaining world peace. Indonesia has long participated in creating world stability and peace through its membership in the regional and international organizations as well as committed itself in maintaining peace in conflict areas. Indonesia had led 2-years leadership term between 2006-2008 in the D-8 Organization.

Currently thousands of Indonesian UN peacekeepers are being deployed in Somalia, Lebanon and Congo.

The president also called for the reform of the United Nations and membership in the international financial institution.

D-8 Organization extends its highest congratulation to Indonesia as its member state, and hope that the country will keep on developing, while at the same time strengthen the cooperation framework within the economic groupings of D-8. “We sincerely hope the very best for Indonesia to attain its real position in the world economy in very near future,” said Dipo Alam, D-8 Secretary General, in his comment to congratulate the occassion.

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