GEORGE TOWN: Indonesia’s 69th Independence Day was celebrated with much enjoyment by its citizens in Penang earlier this morning.

Spotted in red and white attire, some 800 people thronged Wisma Indonesia on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman as early as 8am.

Led by the Indonesia consul-general (Penang) Ronald J P Manik, the group sang the national anthem and raised the national flag.

They all stood at attention facing the flag to show respect and appreciation to their country.

Ronald said the gathering was important as it marked the day the republic gained their independence from Netherlands on Aug 17, 1945.

“On this date 69 years ago, our President Sukarno read the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence which marked the start of the diplomatic and armed-resistance against the Netherlands.

“Only four years later, the Dutch officially acknowledged our independence.

“It is crucial for all Indonesians to celebrate the day, to appreciate the peace and harmony we are enjoying,” he said.

He said the gathering was organised annually by Indonesians who live in Perlis, Kedah and Penang with various activities and programmes to enliven the event.

He also said the gathering would strengthen the bond among some 40,000 Indonesians who live in the three northern states.

-NST