THE Indonesian community on the Coffs Coast has celebrated Independence Day with a colourful showcase of culture, music, dance and tradition – and a reminder of what freedom means.
Held at the Jetty Foreshore Markets on Sunday 16 August, the celebration brought together Indonesian families and friends from across the region, plus members of the wider Coffs Coast community.
For organiser Sien Tedjo, the Coffs Harbour celebration was an opportunity to remember those who fought for freedom, while showing the wider community how Indonesians celebrate their national day.
“It was a big event for us and I was very happy,” Sien said.
“We celebrated our country’s Independence Day and remembered the freedom we have after so many years of war and colonial rule.”
Indonesia celebrates Independence Day every year on August 17, commemorating its declaration of independence in 1945 after centuries of colonial rule and occupation during World War II.
“We wanted to show people how we celebrate it, with our special costumes, parade, music, dancing and singing our national anthem,” she said.
“I think everyone was happy. They enjoyed the event and some people joined us for the fashion parade.”
Red and white featured prominently throughout the celebrations, reflecting the colours of the Indonesian flag, from decorations and clothing to traditional food.
Among the dishes served was nasi tumpeng – a celebratory Indonesian rice cone accompanied by other dishes such as fried chicken and vegetables.
The parade was particularly significant for Sien, representing the celebrations of earlier generations following Indonesia’s independence.
“The parade was about showing people how our old generation celebrated when they were free from war,” she said.
“They were happy and excited because they had freedom. We remember that and celebrate it every year, whether we are in Indonesia or wherever we live.”
And the celebration attracted a strong regional turnout, with Indonesians travelling from Kempsey, Port Macquarie, Taree, Grafton and Sandy Beach to join the Coffs Harbour community.
“There were a lot of people who came and watched our event. It was amazing – so many people turned up,” Sien said.
The program included Indonesian, Thai and Balinese dancing, live music, a fashion parade, and the singing of the Indonesian national anthem in both Indonesian and English.
Sien said she was grateful to the many people who helped make the celebration possible, including performers, volunteers, the Jetty Foreshore Markets organisers, and members of the Indonesian community who contributed their time, food and gifts.
The event continued Sien’s long-standing commitment to bringing people from different cultural backgrounds together on the Coffs Coast.
“We want to share our culture, our traditions and our happiness with the whole community,” she said.
And there was one final piece of good fortune on the day.
“I was very lucky because the rain stopped until we finished our event,” Sien said.
“I prayed to the Lord, ‘Please, no rain on that day for our event.’”
Her prayers appeared to have been answered – with the heavy rain arriving only after the celebrations had finished.
By Leigh WATSON
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