Patrick Kluivert Joins in 80th Independence Day Festivities with Thousands of Indonesians in The Hague

The Hague: A festive yet solemn atmosphere filled the courtyard of Sekolah Indonesia Den Haag (SIDH) on Sunday morning, as over 3,600 Indonesian citizens, members of the Indonesian Diaspora, and friends of Indonesia gathered to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence.

The ceremony commenced at 10:00 a.m. local time, with Ambassador Mayerfas serving as Inspector of the Ceremony and Colonel Cpm Ade San Arief acting as Commander. The national flag was raised by a ten-member Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibra), comprising six male and four female high school students who had undergone intensive training since 15 July 2025.

Oeray Alvaro Waradana Putra Gufran led the troop, with flag raisers Sarah Elyssa Mayoree Pittor Manalu, Sophia Kirsten Agatha Pittor Manalu, and Varisha Fitri Elmira, and Hana Anindita Irawan as the flag bearer. The training was conducted by a joint team from the Defense Attaché, Army Attaché, and Immigration Attaché of the Embassy.

This year’s celebration was especially lively as it fell on a Sunday, increasing participation. The event drew prominent figures such as Patrick Kluivert, Head Coach of the Indonesian National Football Team, his assistants Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat, as well as two players from the Indonesian Women’s National Team, Claudia Alexandra Scheunemann and Keysha Bulgami.

Participants donned traditional Indonesian attire and batik, showcasing the nation’s cultural richness. The ceremony concluded with an aubade of patriotic songs, accompanied by the waving of small red-and-white flags, creating a stunning sea of unity and national pride.

Following tradition, Ambassador Mayerfas led the ceremonial cutting of the tumpeng rice cone, which was presented to six recipients of the Ambassador’s Award 2025, including Patrick Kluivert and Claudia Alexandra Scheunemann, symbolizing gratitude for Indonesia’s independence.

Festivities Beyond the Ceremony

After the official ceremony, the celebration continued with a vibrant Cultural Stage (Panggung Gembira), traditional 17 August competitions, a SIDH student exhibition, a consular service booth, and a bustling Indonesian culinary bazaar. Popular dishes such as sate, rendang, bakso, pempek, es teler, and other Indonesian specialties attracted long queues of visitors eager for a taste of home.

Entertainment included performances by the SIDH student band, kecapi-suling music, DJ sets, pop music, and a Nusantara fashion show. A medley of traditional dances and lively dangdut performances encouraged audience participation. A joint dance and flash mob of Tabola Bole, performed by the Embassy’s Dharma Wanita Persatuan, Paskibra, Embassy staff, and guests, added to the joyful atmosphere.

A creative corner for children allowed them to draw, color, and make crafts inspired by Independence Day. Traditional 17 August competitions—including the cracker-eating contest, water-filling race, rubber relay, and Aura Farming contest—drew enthusiastic participation across all ages. One participant remarked, “It is not the prize that matters, but the joy and excitement of joining these traditional games that makes it special.”

Ambassador Mayerfas and his wife, Mrs. Virna Mayerfas, mingled warmly with attendees. “This celebration is not only about remembering the struggle of our heroes, but also about strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among Indonesians living abroad,” said the Ambassador.

Patrick Kluivert also extended his congratulations to Indonesia on its 80th Independence Day, adding a unique spirit to the long-awaited celebration for Indonesians and the Diaspora in the Netherlands.

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