Indonesian expats in UAE mark Independence Day, bid farewell to envoy

Indonesian expats in the UAE celebrated the 80^th anniversary of their nation’s Independence Day with patriotic fervour on Sunday, marking the end of Ambassador Husin Bagis’ decade-long service in the emirates.

Envoy’s farewell moment

At the Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the flag-hoisting ceremony was led by Bagis, who served as inspector for the final time. The envoy, completing 10 years in the UAE, was honoured by community members for strengthening bilateral ties during his tenure.

Gaza mission honoured

The ceremony recognised 25 Indonesian military medical personnel who recently returned from El Arish after completing a humanitarian mission. The team, operating a floating hospital in coordination with the UAE Armed Forces, provided aid to Palestinians affected by the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Celebrations, cultural spirit

Community members sang the national anthem, children performed patriotic songs, and families joined traditional games, including the popular marble-on-spoon and pencil-in-bottle competitions. The traditional tumpeng rice-cutting ceremony was held at the ‘Joko Widodo Hall’.

Milestones in UAE–Indonesia ties

In his address, Bagis highlighted key collaborations, including the upcoming inauguration of the Emirati-Indonesian Cardiology Hospital in Solo, and the planned MBZ College for Future Studies in Yogyakarta. He also expressed hope for a visa-free travel policy between the two nations to boost tourism, investment, and people-to-people connections.