More than 400 Indonesians gathered at the embassy of Indonesia in Phnom Penh this morning to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Indonesia’s August 17 Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony and cultural festivities.
Representatives from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and National Police also attended.
The celebration featured a “Pesta Rakyat,.” or community festival, highlighted by the cutting of tumpeng, traditional music and dance, games and a feast of Indonesian cuisine.
During his address, Indonesian ambassador Santo Darmosumarto praised the enthusiasm of the Indonesian community in Cambodia, stressing that independence is realized “through concrete actions, hard work and most importantly, maintaining our unity wherever we are”.
He recalled the Indonesia contribution to the peace process and highlighting growing bilateral ties with Cambodia, with trade surpassing $1 billion, expanding investment, education exchanges and the prospect of new direct flight routes.
Darmosumarto added that Indonesia looks forward to advancing peace, development and shared prosperity alongside Cambodia for generations to come.
This year’s commemoration also included a blood donation drive, organised with Cambodia’s National Blood Transfusion Center, with the goal of collecting 80 bags of blood to symbolise the 80th anniversary.
The Indonesian community in Cambodia has grown significantly in recent years, numbering over 131,000 in 2024, alongside expanding economic and cultural ties between the two countries.