Independence Day

Today is Indonesian’s Independence Day. The day when the Indonesians commemorate the struggle and spirits of our national heroes by pretending to be sick to avoid standing under the sun during the flag ceremony.

Today is surely a big event in Indonesia, where there are a lot of celebrations, festivities, games held in many areas. But what about the Indonesians who live abroad? What does 17 August mean to them. Well, some might say not much. There is no flag ceremony here, except in the Embassy, and there is no festivities happening. Some even forget that today is the Independence Day.

But there are still many Indonesians who show a heartfelt reaction toward their Independence Day, mostly in the form of,” Gosh, how come we do not get a day off today!” (as today is a public holiday back home).

Some Indonesians actually did go to the Embassy to participate in the flag ceremony, and some Indonesian’s religious groups had a get together to pray for the country. So, it’s a relieve to know that the Indonesians here still remember where they are from.

And me? I am of course working. Gosh, how come we do not get a day off today?