On August 17, 2008 Indonesia celebrated its 63rd Independence Day. The Independence Day has been tradionally celebrated by the people of Indonesia every year, whether they live in Indonesia atau out side the country.In Seoul, South Korea, the Indonesian Embassy conducted the flag hoisting ceremony which was attended by hundreds of Indonesians who live in Seoul and its surroundings. The ceremony ended for about 30 minutes. As usual the ceremony itself was not interesting for the people but the events after the ceremony.
During the "tujuhbelasan" (August 17 celebration), the people of Indonesia are used to organizing events such as tarik tambang (rope pulling), panjat pinang (greasy palm climbing), balap karung (sack racing), makan kerupuk (chips eating), memasukkan paku dalam botol (putting nails into botles) etc, the last two events are usually for children aged below 15.
The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul also organized these events. The Indonesian people, the staff of the embassy and their families, students, workers, mix-marriage families and others came together to participate in this year Independence Celebration. They were really happy to take part in every events, because it could cure their longing to their home country. 
Since the position for ambassador has been empty for quiet a long time, so the ad hoc for trade mr. Koster Gulton led the "pemotongan nasi tumpeng" (cutting the cone-shape yellow rice), which is usually provided during specific ceremony. Then, all the people who came at the day had lunch toghether. It said the food was cooked by some of the wives of the embassy's staff.
For me, the event after the lunch was the most interesting one. The embassy's band and a group of Indonesian workers' Campur Sari Music entertained the people. A group of aged Koreans were also played Angklung, Indonesia's Bamboo Musical Instrument. The People did not only sing but also twisted their body (joget) followed the music played. Every looked happy at that day. 
Happy Anniversary Indonesia !
