RIYADH: Indonesian expatriates working in the Kingdom celebrated their country’s 70th independence day at the Diplomatic Quarter on Monday.
The celebrations started in the morning with a flag hoisting by the Charge d’ Affaires Tuan Sunarko, followed by a rendition of the national anthem. Many citizens wore the colors of their country to mark the day of liberation on Aug. 17, 1945.
In a speech, Sunarko said that Indonesians were hard working and were proud of their “flourishing democracy, religious tolerance and diversity.”
The country was also taking a leading role on the world stage and was an example to the Asia-Pacific region and the global community, he said.
The colorful ceremony was attended by a cross-section of the Indonesian community. The country is noted for having the world’s largest Muslim community, with the highest number of Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo sent a message of congratulations to his compatriots in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif sent a cable of congratulations to Widodo, wishing the country steady progress and prosperity.
