DTN News: National Day Of Indonesia On August 17, 2010

DTN News: National Day Of Indonesia On August 17, 2010

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 17, 2010: The National Day of Indonesia is one of the most important holidays in the country with weeks of preparation prior to the main day. During this celebration, the most solemn ceremony is the flag hoisting at the National Palace, televised live and considered a spectacle of the greatest respect and honor for the flag and the Republic of Indonesia.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, left, and his deputy Boediono greet the audience during a flag hoisting ceremony marking the country's 65th independence day at Merdeka (Freedom) Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010.

Escorted by honor guards, a flag bearer carries an Indonesian national Red-White flag during a ceremony marking the country's 65th independence day at Merdeka (Freedom) Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010.

Honor guards march before a flag raising ceremony marking the country's 65th independence anniversary at the presidential palace in Jakarta on August 17, 2010. Indonesia is celebrating its 65th Independence Day after declaring independence in 1945, although it had to fight the Dutch colonialists in a bloody struggle that lasted until 1949.

This ceremony is led by the President and Vice President and attended by the cabinet, military brass, family members of the current and preceding president, diplomatic corps, and honored guests. In several towns, celebrations are very lively. Neighborhoods gear up for fun and games for the kids. Krupuk (shrimp chips) eating contests, bike decorating, games, races, and lots of fun fill the day. The women are busy in cooking contests to see who can make the biggest krupuk or the most delicious nasi tumpeng.

A spectacular parade is usually held on the Sunday after Independence Day. The parade is marked by floats and marching bands, starting near the National Monument and traveling down JI. Thamrin and JI. Sudirman. The floats are sponsored by government institutions, state companies, private firms, and foundations.

The Philippines enjoys warm and cordial relations with Indonesia, developed through frequent exchanges of visits by high-level officials. Bilateral meetings between the two countries are also held at the sidelines of annual meetings such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Non-Aligned Movement, and the United Nations General Assembly, among others. Last November, the Philippines and Indonesia celebrated the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-Indonesia Bilateral Relations at a reception held at a hotel in Manila. We congratulate the people and the government of Indonesia led by H.E., President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, and its Embassy in the Philippines headed by H.E., Ambassador Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo, on the occasion of the 65th Anniversary of their Independence. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors.

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News, contact:dtnnews@ymail.com