ISLAMABAD: Indonesian Expo 2024 organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia has been attracting large crowds at Islamabad’s Centaurus Mall.
The Expo is the first of its kind ever held in the shopping center in Islamabad from August 16-18, 2024 as part of a series of events to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the Indonesian Independence Day.
The objective of the Expo is to provide an exciting cultural backdrop to the business-related events as well as to promote people-to-people contact. The event featured traditional and cultural shows including Indonesian martial arts called Pencak Silat, creative and religious performances by Indonesian students in Pakistan, and theme-based debates on crucial issues to bring Indonesia and Pakistan closer in trade, investment and tourism as well as education and religious moderation.
During the mega event, many options are available to elevate public awareness about Indonesia. Thousands of visitors enjoyed the Expo atmosphere by visiting photo booths designed in an iconic Indonesian heritage background such as Rumah Gadang from West Sumatera Province.
The visitors also took an interest in reading the Indonesian short history through a miniature museum and historical display.
During the program on 17 August, the Indonesian Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma highlighted the embassy’s two priority areas of diplomacy in Pakistan, stronger economic ties and closer people-to-people contact.
“We have cordial political and diplomatic relations. In turn, we need to translate it into more concrete works. Indonesia has huge potential and opportunities in many sectors that the Pakistani counterparts can further explore. The Centaurus as our option for the current Expo aims to bring peoples of the two brotherly countries closer,” he said.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas, CEO of Centaurus in his remarks expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad for selecting the Centaurus Mall as the venue for the Indonesian Expo 2024.
“Everyone should learn from the Embassy of Indonesia for very active diplomacy in bringing peoples of the two brotherly countries even closer,” he said.
Furthermore, a “Tumpeng Cutting Ceremony” was also held. Tumpeng is an Indonesian cone-shaped rice dish symbolizing gratitude to Allah and honor all creatures.
