By Dr Leila Mona Ganiem
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, an atmosphere full of enthusiasm and pride was seen in Gora Kalwaria, Poland, when the Indonesian delegation of the Shadowing Program to Poland NMUGGA24 prepared to attend the ceremony to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) in Warsaw.
That morning, the entire delegation looked happy, wearing various national clothes, with the majority of them choosing the typical Tidore Puta Dino Khayangan woven cloth by Anita Gathmir, which added a regional nuance and pride in Indonesian culture.
The delegation departed from Gora Kalwaria for Warsaw by bus, taking a half-hour journey. Although the flag ceremony was scheduled to start at 10:00, the high enthusiasm made the delegation arrive at the Indonesian Embassy in Warsaw early, at 08:30.
Upon arrival, they were greeted by an atmosphere that was thick with Indonesian nuances; red and white designs, batik, and national clothing were seen decorating every corner, creating a distinctive and nostalgic atmosphere for the participants.
Before the ceremony began, the Flag Raising Troop (Paskibra) consisting of Indonesian students in Poland, with high discipline, appeared to be preparing. Meanwhile, a number of singers who were part of the Indonesian delegation for the Folklore performance in Poland, from a school in West Java, also did their final practice for several songs that they would perform. This preparation created an atmosphere full of hope and joy among the audience.
Exactly at 10:00, the ceremony began solemnly, led by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Poland, Mrs. Anita Lydia Luhulima. Although there was no official greeting, the moment of raising the Red and White flag accompanied by the national anthem Indonesia Raya brought a solemn and appreciative atmosphere.
All participants of the ceremony, including the NMUGGA24 delegation, felt a deep sense of pride and deeply experienced the meaning of independence. "Oooh, how touching. Ooh, how proud," was the expression of feelings felt in every heart, as the national anthem resounded with full appreciation.
In addition to being attended by Indonesian citizens in Poland, the ceremony was also honored by the presence of invited guests from Gora Kalwaria, including the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Piotr Chmielewski, and the head of the Development Policy Foundation who sent off the delegates, Wojciech Szpociński. Also present were Sasha from the European Union and Sylwia Szparkowska from the Development Policy Foundation, who also witnessed this historic moment.
