Indonesians in Libya mark 81st independence anniversary

Indonesia’s embassy in Tripoli has marked the country’s 81st Independence Day with a celebration attended by about 290 Indonesian nationals living in Libya and Libyans with links to Indonesia.

The event, held at the Indonesian embassy on 17 August, began with a flag-raising ceremony led by the embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires, Dr Dede Achmad Rifai.

The celebrations included traditional Indonesian music, pencak silat martial arts demonstrations, poetry readings and patriotic and contemporary songs.

An Indonesian food and drink bazaar also featured dishes and specialities including martabak, siomay, risoles, bakso and Indomie. Indonesian students from Kulliyah Dakwah Islamiyah in Tripoli and Asmariyah University in Zliten prepared the food and drinks.

The embassy said the event brought together Indonesians and Libyan friends of Indonesia, including graduates of Indonesian universities, and provided an opportunity to recall their experiences in the country.

It said the anniversary was also an opportunity to strengthen friendship and solidarity between the Indonesian and Libyan communities.

Participants expressed their hopes for Indonesia’s safety, prosperity and continued development as the country marked 81 years of independence.