Islamabad (GNP): President Asif Ali Zardari sent congratulations to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, along with the government and people of Indonesia, on the occasion of Indonesia’s Independence Day.
In his message, Zardari noted that the occasion commemorates the resilience and determination of the Indonesian people, as well as the leadership shown by the nation’s founding fathers in their struggle for independence.
He described Pakistan-Indonesia relations as close and friendly, built on shared history, mutual trust, and cooperation at multiple levels. He noted that both countries have continued expanding collaboration across trade, defense, health, education, and people-to-people ties over the years.
Zardari expressed confidence that the momentum from President Prabowo’s visit to Pakistan last year would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, extending his best wishes for Indonesia’s continued peace and prosperity.
Separately, the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad held an oath-taking ceremony for its Flag-Hoisting Squad (PASKIBRA), made up of Indonesian students studying in Pakistan, as part of preparations for Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day celebrations on August 17, 2026.
The ceremony was led by Defence Attaché Colonel Henru H. Susanto, with Indonesian diplomats, embassy staff, and students in attendance. The formation of PASKIBRA squads takes place annually across Indonesian institutions worldwide as part of Independence Day observances, aimed at fostering national pride among younger generations.
During the ceremony, squad members took an oath affirming their commitment to Indonesia’s four foundational national principles — the state ideology of Pancasila, the unitary state, the 1945 Constitution, and the national motto of unity in diversity.
For Indonesian students living far from home, the ceremony holds particular meaning, symbolizing their continued connection to their country and their role in representing it abroad. Colonel Susanto described the experience of training students living overseas as both challenging and rewarding, noting that despite difficulties coordinating civilian participants, their enthusiasm and dedication proved to be the squad’s greatest asset.
He also highlighted that this year’s squad is predominantly female, describing it as a reflection of the important role Indonesian women play in nation-building, emphasizing that commitment and discipline matter more than gender when it comes to serving the country.
Squad member Mawiya, a student at Lahore Grammar School, said she felt proud and honored to be selected for this year’s squad, describing a mix of nervousness and excitement about participating in the upcoming ceremony. Fellow squad member Dinda, a student at the International Islamic University Islamabad, described the roughly month-long training process — which included daily practice sessions — as tiring but ultimately something the participants took pride in contributing to.
Also read: PASKIBRA Oath-Taking Marks Indonesian Youth’s Commitment
The squad underwent approximately a month of training focused on formation, coordination, and proper flag-handling procedures ahead of the celebration. The ceremony concluded with guests enjoying traditional Indonesian cuisine as part of the event.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
