Indonesian Ambassador H E Ridwan Hassan leads the Tumpeng cutting which symbolises the gratitude of Indonesian people for the blessing of independence.
Doha: The Indonesian Embassy in Doha celebrated the 77th Independence Day of Indonesia yesterday.
The celebration started at 7am with a flag raising ceremony attended by the community and Indonesian students in the country.
Indonesia’s founding fathers proclaimed the independence of Indonesia on August 17, 1945.
The event in Qatar's capital also included the cutting of Tumpeng (Indonesian cone-shaped rice dishes) which symbolised the gratitude of Indonesian people for the blessing of independence.
A march being held during Indonesia's 77th Independence Day celebration.
Indonesian Ambassador to Qatar, H E Ridwan Hassan handed over trophies to the community members who won some competitions held by the embassy to celebrate the Independence Day. The competitions included bowling, badminton and table tennis.
Diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Qatar started in 1976. Qatar opened its embassy in Jakarta in November 1997, while Indonesia opened its embassy in Doha on June 22, 1999. Over the years, both countries enjoyed cordial relations in various fields. Cooperation in the political field for instance, has been manifested, among others, through cooperation on defence and the collaboration in peace making process for Afghanistan.
As per economic and trade cooperation, both countries also share mutual partnership. Total trade between Qatar and Indonesia in 2021 reached US$893m.
Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports were recorded at US$217.2m and imports amounted to US$189.2m; Indonesia had a surplus of US$28m.
Whereas Indonesia’s oil and gas products from Qatar amounted to US$486.5m. From January to May 2022, total trade has increased by 27.14 percent or US$514.5m compared to the same period in 2021. Indonesia’s non-oil and gas exports were recorded at US$100.6m, raised up by 51.20 percent compared to the same period in 2021, and Indonesia’s imports have increased by 60.04 percent or US$123.4m compared to the same period in 2021. Overall, Indonesia experienced a trade deficit of US$22.7m.
Indonesia’s 77th Independence Day celebration being held at the embassy premises in Doha.
In the socio-culture field, the cooperation between Indonesia and Qatar has entered a new phase with the selection of Indonesia as partner country for the Qatar Year of Culture in 2023. Indonesia is the first Southeast Asian country to be selected as the partner country for that prestigious event.
The Ambassador said: “In the coming months, Qatar will host the most-awaited and one of the biggest sports events in the world – FIFA World Cup 2022.”
He added, “While Indonesia, in a different field, this year assumes its presidency of the G20. Next year, Indonesia and Qatar together will celebrate and appreciate their cultural relations through a year-long programme, ‘Qatar–Indonesia Year of Culture’. So, it’s time to collaborate stronger.”
