A Glimpse of the event – Courtesy KJRI Mumbai.

MUMBAI, 27 OCTOBER, 2023 (GPN): The Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Mumbai held a Reception commemorating the 78th Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia on Thursday, 26th October, 2023 at the Taj Palace Hotel . Chief Guest for the evening was Ms Manisha Mhaiskar, Principal Secretary and Chief Protocol Officer of the State, GoM. Indonesia’s 78th anniversary falls on 17 August 2023.

The Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Mumbai, His Excellency Edy Wardoyo, in his welcoming remark, he highlighted the strong relations which recently was showcased in the smooth handover of the G20 Presidency from Indonesia to India and then he congratulated the Indian Government on its success as President of the G20. He reflected on the long history of friendship between two nations, which is so established that the proof is visible in ancient monuments such as the huge Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the sprawling Hindu compound of Prambanan, both in Central Java and both of which have unmistakable signs of Gupta architecture from India’s Gupta Empire at the time. Meanwhile the Ramayana Epic has references to Swarnadwipa in modern-day Sumatra and Javadwipa which refers to the Island of Java in modern-day Indonesia.

The C.G. also pointed to the Bali Jatra or “Journey to Bali” festival held each year in Cuttack in the State of Odisha, as proof of historical visits that the Indians had made to Sumatra and beyond. The knowledge route is even older, where in present-day Bihar stands the remnants of Nalanda University where visitors can still see an old building built by King Srivijaya from South Sumatra around the 7th century to house the students from

Java and Sumatra, who he encouraged to learn Sanskrit and other sciences at Nalanda University.

Manisha Mhaiskar Chief Protocol Officer of Government of Maharashtra as Chief Guest referred to the long historical links such as the

Ramayana Epic which also made its way to what is now Indonesia, but in the Javanese version Sita is more firm towards her kidnapper, the Rahwanas. Even the name “Indonesia”, Ms Mhaiskar points out, is how the early Europeans called the archipelago that they thought back then was “Indus Nessos” or “the Indian Islands”.

The official program was closed with the cutting of the traditional Nasi Tumpeng shaped like a mountain, which is symbolic of the strong roots that the bilateral relations have. Guests were treated to cultural and artistic performances that evening: the Tor-Tor Dance from North Sumatra, the Legong Keraton Dance from Bali, and two popular songs performed by the staff and spouses of the Indonesian Consulate.

Present at the event were the members, representatives from corporations, institutions and associations from Mumbai and southern India which have had significant and recurring collaboration with their Indonesian counterparts. Also invited were notable Friends of Indonesia as well as Indians who have taken part in cultural programs where they stayed for several months in Indonesia to immerse themselves in the local customs and cultures.

The longest part of the evening was enjoyed after the presentations, where the guests dived into the buffet dinner of Indian and Indonesian dishes. The Indonesian delicacies included Kue Lapis Legit, Martabak Telur, Kacang Bali, Ketan Serundeng (Vegetarian),  Nasi Goreng, Sate Ayam, Sate Kambing, Bakso Ayam, dan Es Cendol.

As the two largest countries in their own corners of the world, India and Indonesia are regional leaders who have always had strong relations, a long history, and leaders committed to keeping the relations firmly moving towards a synergy of like-minded  countries.