DILI, 17 august 2023 (TATOLI)— Indonesian citizens from various backgrounds, together with The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Dili, Timor-Leste, held a flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 78th Anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), with the hope that friendly relations will become stronger in the future.
The flag-raising ceremony was led directly by the Ambassador of Indonesia, Okto Dorinus Manik, together with the citizenship of Indonesia in Timor – Leste.
The Indonesian diplomat recalled that the ceremony was the culmination of a series of activities starting from the first few months of last month, where the Indonesian Embassy held several activities such as the competition of sports and traditional dance, and ending with an independence ceremony with the raising of the Indonesian National Flag, which took place on August 17, 2023.
“We celebrate the 78th Independence Day’s ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy in Timor – Leste, with the hope that the relationship between Indonesia and Timor – Leste will continue in harmony with the atmosphere of brotherhood and friendship between the two countries in the future,” Ambassador Okto Dorinus Manik told reporters at the Embassy of Indonesia in Farol, Dili on thursday.
He believes that Indonesia’s leadership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will further strengthen relations between the two countries, especially in the economic and other sectors.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC), Bendito dos Santos Freitas, was also present at the celebration, appreciating the relationship that has existed for a long time.
“The relations between the two countries are very important, and today is the 78th anniversary of independence, and we are here as members of the government to strengthen the existing relations between the two countries,” he said.
Freitas said that Indonesia has supported Timor-Leste since its accession to ASEAN. “We hope that with Indonesia’s ASEAN presidency, Timor-Leste will become a full member of ASEAN in the short term.”
Meanwhile, Agus Feoh, an Indonesian citizen from Kupang who has lived in Timor-Leste for over 40 years, asked the governments of the two countries to continue maintaining friendly relations.
“I was married to a Timorese and have lived there for more than 40 years. I observed that there are many progresses that have been achieved by the two countries; hopefully our relationship will continue in the future,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
