The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Tokyo held a series of events to celebrate Indonesia's 77th Independence Day on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. The activities included a flag-raising ceremony, a traditional tumpeng cutting, cultural performances by students of the Indonesian School in Tokyo (SRIT), various competitions and games, and a flag-lowering ceremony. The celebration began with the Independence Day ceremony held in the SRIT courtyard, attended by KBRI Tokyo officials and staff, educators, SRIT students, participants from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta’s International Community Service Program (KKN PPM), and representatives from Indonesian community groups in Japan, all observing strict health protocols.

The ceremony, held at the Indonesian School in Tokyo (SRIT), was led by the Indonesian Ambassador to Japan and the Federated States of Micronesia, Heri Akhmadi, who served as the Inspector of Ceremony. Colonel Andi Nur Abadi, the Indonesian Defense Attaché in Tokyo, acted as the Ceremony Commander, while the flag-raising was carried out by SRIT students trained by Indonesian Armed Forces cadets and officers currently studying at Japan’s National Defense Academy. The ceremony proceeded solemnly under pleasant weather.

After the ceremony, Ambassador Heri and Mrs. Nuning Akhmadi cut the tumpeng and presented portions to representatives from Bank Indonesia (BI), Indonesian state-owned enterprises in Japan, community members, Indonesian military cadets, and SRIT representatives. In his speech, Ambassador Heri praised the participation of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta’s KKN International Program in Japan, adding that occasions like this could help inspire resilience and recovery from recent challenges.

“The theme of Indonesia’s Independence Day this year is Recover Faster, Rise Stronger, reflecting the spirit of the Indonesian people to recover together, not only from the COVID-19 pandemic but also from global recession and economic crises," said Ambassador Heri. “I hope all Indonesians in Japan can celebrate this moment with joy and togetherness.”

Following the ceremony, KBRI Tokyo’s Education and Culture Attaché, Prof. Yusli Wardiatno, expressed gratitude to the students from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah's International KKN Program for participating in the Independence Day celebration hosted by KBRI Tokyo, reminding them to stay healthy throughout their stay in Japan. “Thank you to all UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta International KKN students who joined us in celebrating Indonesia’s 77th Independence Day at the Indonesian School in Tokyo. May you all stay well. Merdeka!” said Yusli.

The participation of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta's KKN students in the 77th Independence Day Ceremony at SRIT was made possible through the ongoing cooperation between KBRI Tokyo and the Japanese branch of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PCINU), who facilitated the invitation from KBRI Tokyo. The arrival of UIN students in Japan is also the result of PCINU Japan’s active role. This year, thanks to a collaboration between UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta’s PPM Program and PCINU Japan, four students from the International KKN Program were sent to Japan.

Idul Akbar Husni, a student from the Faculty of Islamic Studies who participated in the International KKN program in Japan, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to attend the event hosted by KBRI Tokyo. “We are very grateful to have had this invaluable opportunity to participate in this year’s event held by KBRI Tokyo. Thank you to the Indonesian Ambassador in Tokyo, the Education and Culture Attaché, and all the staff for allowing my friends and me to take part in this ceremony. We also thank PCINU Japan Chair Kiyai Achmad Gazali, UIN’s partner who has continued to support our KKN activities in Japan. The sense of Indonesian unity and togetherness here is so strong and deeply felt. Fantastic!” concluded Idul, who is also a student of the Faculty of Islamic Studies.