THE importance of the Republic of Indonesia establishing mutual understanding on matters of common interest with its development partners was underscored at the celebration of the country’s 79thIndependence Day in Honiara on Sunday.
The Indonesian Community in Solomon Islands gathered for the celebration hosted by Indonesia’s first honorary consul in Solomon Islands, Rolland Piko and his wife Ruth and the staff of the Indonesian Consulate Agus Suprianto and Mrs Asmarani at the SMI Compound.
The independence celebration theme for this year 2024 is “Nusantara Baru, Indonesia Maju” which translates to “New Archipelago, Advancing Indonesia.”
The program was officiated with the raising of the Indonesian Flag and singing of the Indonesian national anthem.
In his speech at the occasion, Indonesia’s Defence Attache to the Indonesian Embassy in Papua New Guinea, Peter Dwi Ardianto relayed the Indonesian Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Andriana Supandy’s apology for not being able to make it to Honiara for the celebration.
Thereafter, Mr Ardianto underscored the importance of Indonesia establishing mutual understanding on matters of common interest with its development partners.
He said this will promote common understanding on each state’s interest to collaboratively advance common development agendas.
After lunch was served, the program proceeded with blood donations from Indonesians and Solomon Islanders to support the Blood Bank Unit at the National Referral Hospital.
The main highlight of the program was games of tug of war, bag hope, ballon walk and others.
The Minister of Infrastructure Development Manasseh Maelanga and the Member Parliament for Russell Islands, Oliver Salopuka graced the event.
Meanwhile, Mr Ardianto will meet the Minister Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Jimson Tanangada on the Indonesia Naval War Ship when it visits Solomon Islands in October.
