The diplomatic reception was the culmination of a series of activities commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia organized by the country’s embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The greenery combined with the video-clips displaying the design and on-going development of Indonesia’s future capital city (locally known as IKN), gave unique atmosphere and color to the diplomatic reception, commemorating the country’s 78th Independence Day, which took place on November 7, 2023 at Songket Hall, Rizqun Hotel, Bandar Seri Begawan.

“The celebration of the 78th Indonesian Independence Day with IKN design is the theme of this year’s Diplomatic Reception,” the Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Achmad Ubaedillah, told Brunei’s Minister of Defense II, Major General (Ret.) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohammad Yussof who was present as a guest of honor representing His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

Not only were 300 guests amazed by the IKN theme decorations but also dance performances from East Java, Bali, Padang and angklung as well as the choir from the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Embassy.

High-ranking officials from Brunei, ambassadors and academics as well as Indonesian businesspeople and representatives of Indonesian communities in Brunei also enjoyed various flavors of Indonesian cuisine from different regions, and were entertained with Indonesian tourism video shows.

There were also door prizes ranging from kitchen utensils, electronic equipment, to food vouchers, accommodation in Bali, as well as flight tickets from Bandar Seri Begawan to Jakarta and Jakarta to Bali and Labuan Bajo.

Indonesian Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, Dr. Achmad Ubaedillah, mentioned in his remarks that Indonesia-Brunei Darussalam bilateral relations is getting stronger, marked by increased meetings, mutual visits, and new commitments agreed in various fields.

Ubaedillah conveyed the latest information regarding the relocation process of Indonesia’s prospective capital city from Jakarta (the current capital) to Nusantara in East Kalimantan provincd, and invited Brunei’s government and business people to participate and invest in the development of the IKN.

“I believe that the construction of the new capital will be mutually beneficial for Indonesia and Brunei where the capitals of both countries share the same island,“ Ubaedillah said.

On the occasion, Ubaedillah also expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in Gaza, and conveyed President Joko Widodo’s call to stop the violence immediately and focus more on humanitarian efforts.

The diversity of Indonesian culture was the main attraction at this event which was demonstrated by dance performances, decorations, and even traditional costumes worn by all Indonesian Embassy staff members and their families.

The dance performance started with the Tor-Tor dance to welcome the Guest of Honor and his wife. Throughout the reception, six dances were performed which received warm applause from the audience.

The dances are the Pendet dance, Porem Bulkiyo dance, Tulak Memolo dance, Mubeng Blitar dance, Rantak dance, and IKN dance. The cultural performance was presented by the Indonesian Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan and a dance group from Blitar, East Java, that specially came to enliven this diplomatic reception.

The choir’s performance as well as angklung (West Java’s traditional music instrument) also caught the interest of the attendees.

As the finale, Indonesia’s embassy staff members in Bandar Seri Begawan performed a Sajojo and Alusiao dance flashmob.

The diplomatic reception was the culmination of a series of activities commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia organized by the country’s embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan.

Previously, a number of sports matches, a flag raising ceremony, fun-walk, and Pasar Rakyat (public market) were held.

Reporting by Indonesia Window