Do you know Indonesia gained its independence 79 years ago? After long and arduous battles against colonialism and imperialism by the Dutch and the Japanese, Malaysia’s “older sibling” declared its independence on August 17th, 1945. Ever since, Indonesians, both within the archipelago and beyond, have carried on the spirit of this festive day in their own unique ways.
Let’s meet PPI Monash Eunoia, the Indonesian students association at Monash University Malaysia. The editors, fortunately, were invited to attend “Arunika,” a celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day organised by the one and only PPI Monash Eunoia. Upon our arrival, we were welcomed by the lovely PPI committee and asked to sit with our pre-assigned teams. I found myself placed in a team called Pecel, a well-known dish rooted in Javanese culture, consisting of a medley of vegetables smothered in peanut sauce. Quite quirky, right?
Before the event kicked off, Farrell, the person in charge, shared his thoughts on the festivities and the deeper sentiments they evoked. When asked about the significance of Indonesia’s Independence Day, Farrell reflected, “It’s about remembering those who came before us—the heroes who fought long and hard against the colonisers—and how we, as an Indonesian student association abroad, continue that ‘fight’ in modern times by always staying connected to our roots.” He also emphasised the importance of celebrating Independence Day while living abroad: “It’s emotional. It reminds us of our history and culture, and also the privilege of celebrating back home. We used to take it for granted, but now, it’s clear how precious those moments are.”
To begin the event, we held an Indonesian-styled flag ceremony to honour the national heroes and founding fathers of the nation. It was a deeply emotional moment. As the flag was raised, our voices joined in unison to sing the national anthem. It was as if, in that brief ceremony, the miles between us and our homeland disappeared, and we were once again standing on Indonesian soil, reminded of the sacrifices that paved the way for our freedom.
As the excitement continued to build, we shifted gears to a lively quiz game inspired by Family Feud, where teams raced to guess the most popular answers to questions ranging from Indonesia’s most popular singers to most common guy’s names. The energy in The Concourse was immaculate, with friendly banter and quick thinking driving the competition. The celebration continued with a burst of energy as we engaged in traditional games that reignited our competitive spirits and filled the air with laughter. We dived into Balap Karung (sack race), wrestled with Makan Kerupuk (cracker-eating contest), and rolled our way through Balancing Ball and Ulat Kardus (Caterpillar Cardboard)). Each game held its own nostalgic charm, transporting us back to our childhoods in Indonesia, where these games were an integral part of every Independence Day celebration. For a moment, it felt like we were children again, with nothing but the pure joy of the day.
Then came the ultimate test of strength and unity: tug of war. Teams lined up, gripping the rope with determination, each side pulling with every ounce of energy they could muster. Cheers and shouts from the crowd echoed around us, heightening the tension. With every pull, the rope symbolised the collective effort of the group, a physical reminder of how much stronger we are when we work together. The strain, the struggle, and the eventual victory brought out not just competition but a deeper sense of camaraderie that tied us all together, much like the very rope we held on to.
After a long day of fun and games, dinner time finally arrived! The committees had thoughtfully prepared convenient yet tantalising rice boxes featuring Indonesian-style fried chicken and Telur Balado, a deep-fried hard-boiled egg tossed in a sweet-tomatoey sambal called Balado. Alongside these were delightful finger foods, including Donat Kampung (traditional doughnuts) and Risoles (deep-fried pastries filled with smoked beef and mayonnaise). The familiar flavours brought a comforting warmth, a taste of home that lingered long after the meal was over.
As the night progressed, the evening concluded with performances that captivated us all. Raissa and Mirko took the stage, serenading the crowd with Indonesian-pop classics like Lantas by Juicy Luicy and Kamu by Cowboy Junior. Raissa’s sultry vocals melded seamlessly with Mirko’s soulful guitar, and soon, the entire crowd was singing along. These performances were more than just entertainment—they were a vibrant connection to our shared culture, a reminder of the music and moments that unite us, even when we’re miles away from home.
In the end, Farrell shared a truly heartwarming message for Indonesians living abroad, wherever they may be: “Remember where you came from and the privileges of being an Indonesian, to have a diverse culture, with amazing people, and majestic landscapes.” Celebrating Independence Day abroad, surrounded by fellow Indonesians, felt like a slice of home, a moment of unity in a foreign land. It was a day filled with joy, nostalgia, and a deep sense of pride—an affirmation that no matter where life takes us, the spirit of Indonesia remains within us all. After all, we are part of the lineage of those who came before us, carrying forward the legacy of valiant heroes, continuing their fight, their dreams, and their love for the homeland.
Article by Teresa