Indonesians and Patrick Kluivert Celebrate Red-and-White Flag in Netherlands

The Hague: A solemn yet festive atmosphere filled the courtyard of the Sekolah Indonesia Den Haag (SIDH) on Sunday morning, 17 August 2025. More than 3,600 Indonesian citizens, members of the Indonesian Diaspora, and friends of Indonesia gathered to attend the Commemoration Ceremony of the 80th Anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence.

The ceremony began at exactly 10:00 a.m. local time with Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mayerfas, acting as Inspector of the Ceremony, and Colonel Cpm Ade San Arief serving as Commander of the Ceremony.

The national flag was raised by the Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibra), which consisted of ten high school students—six male and four female—who had undergone intensive training since 15 July 2025. Oeray Alvaro Waradana Putra Gufran led the troop, while the flag raisers were Sarah Elyssa Mayoree Pittor Manalu, Sophia Kirsten Agatha Pittor Manalu, and Varisha Fitri Elmira, with Hana Anindita Irawan as the flag bearer.

Training was conducted by a joint team from the Defense Attaché, Army Attaché, and Immigration Attaché of the Embassy.


Patrick Kluivert, Head Coach of the Indonesian National Football Team join the festive. Photo: Indonesia Embassy The Hague

This year’s celebration was particularly special as it fell on a Sunday, which boosted participation. Not only Indonesians but also prominent figures attended the event, including Patrick Kluivert, Head Coach of the Indonesian National Football Team, along with assistants Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat; and two players from the Indonesian Women’s National Team, Claudia Alexandra Scheunemann and Keysha Bulgami.

Participants showcased traditional Indonesian attire and batik, highlighting Indonesia’s cultural diversity. The ceremony concluded with an aubade of patriotic songs, sung by all participants while waving small red-and-white flags, creating a striking sea of unity and national pride.

As part of the annual tradition, Ambassador Mayerfas led the cutting of the ceremonial tumpeng rice cone, which was presented to the six recipients of the Ambassador’s Award 2025, including Patrick Kluivert and Claudia Alexandra Scheunemann, as a symbol of gratitude for independence.

Festivities Beyond the Ceremony

After the official ceremony, the atmosphere became even more vibrant with the Cultural Stage (Panggung Gembira), traditional 17 August competitions, an exhibition of SIDH students’ works, a consular service booth, and a lively Indonesian culinary bazaar. Popular dishes such as sate, rendang, bakso, pempek, es teler, and other Indonesian favorites drew long queues from visitors eager for the flavors of home.

The entertainment stage featured performances by the SIDH student band, kecapi-suling music, a DJ corner, pop music, and a Nusantara fashion show. A medley of traditional dances and energetic dangdut shows had the audience dancing together. A joint dance and flash mob of Tabola Bole, performed by the Embassy’s Dharma Wanita Persatuan, Paskibra, Embassy staff, and guests, brought even more joy to the celebration.


The festive moment enjoying Indonesia Independence Day celebration.  Photo: Indonesia Embassy The Hague

A creative corner for children invited them to draw, color, and make crafts inspired by the Independence Day festivities. The traditional 17 August competitions -,such as the cracker-eating contest, water-filling race, rubber relay, and the Aura Farming contest,- also attracted enthusiastic participation from people of all ages. As 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, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Virna Mayerfas, mingled warmly with the community throughout the event.

“This celebration is not only about remembering the struggle of our heroes, but also about strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among Indonesians living abroad,” the Ambassador said as quoted from the Embassy statement.

On this special occasion, Patrick Kluivert also conveyed his congratulations to Indonesia on its 80th Independence Day. The presence of the National Team coach and players from the Indonesian Women’s National Team added a unique spirit and further enlivened the long-awaited celebration for Indonesians and the Diaspora in the Netherlands.