This transformation was due to IndOz Festival 2018 - the biggest Indonesian cultural festival in Brisbane, Queensland. Thousands of people from the Australian public as well as international tourists from Brisbane and surrounding areas, flocked the festival. IndOz Festival 2018 was organised by Synergy Indonesia Australia, supported by various parties, including the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Sydney.
While on 19 August 2018, a solemn and impressive Flag Hoisting Ceremony took place in the Square to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of Indonesian Independence, followed by an Indonesian promotional event called ‘Pesta Rakyat’ or Community Celebration. Both the flag hoisting ceremony and Pesta Rakyat were organised by the Indonesian Students Association in Queensland, with support from parties such as the Indonesian Consulate General in Sydney, the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Brisbane City, Queensland Government, and many more.
“As an Indonesian Government representative appointed to Australia, I can say with every confidence that the relationship between Indonesia and Australia is growing stronger and stronger”, expressed the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Kristiarto Legowo during his remarks at Pesta Rakyat. “And it can be said that all of you here today have contributed tremendously to this growing Indonesia-Australia relationship through events such as today’s Pesta Rakyat and yesterday’s IndOz Festival,” he continued.
Just as with the IndOz Festival, Pesta Rakyat 2018 also attracted thousands of people from the Australian public as well as international tourists, to enjoy a day of Indonesian music, art, culture and cuisine.
Indonesian Village commemorating Indonesia's 73ʳᵈ Independence Day anniversary at King George Square, Brisbane (18-19/8/2018) Source: KJRI Sydney
Flag hoisting ceremony commemorating Indonesia's 73ʳᵈ Independence Day anniversary at the King George Square, Brisbane (19/8/2018) Source: KJRI Sydney
Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Mr Kristiarto Legowo amongst Indonesian at King George Square, Brisbane. Source: KJRI Sydney
“I highly commend your hard work to promote Indonesia in Australia, despite your main profession as students with a full-time study load” expressed the Indonesian Consul General of Sydney, Heru Subolo to the Indonesian Students Association in Queensland, during discussions at Pesta Rakyat. “Please continue to be Indonesian Ambassadors in Australia and continue to play an important role in increasing Indonesia’s visibility in Australia”, Consul General Subolo concluded to the students.
