QATAR, AUG 19 (DNA) – Indonesian expatriates in Qatar celebrated their 72nd Independence Day with a prayer and traditional flag raising ceremony at the Indonesian chancery.

Indonesian Ambassador  to Qatar, Muhammad Basri Sidehabi, led the flag hoisting ceremony in the presence of embassy officials and members of the Indonesian community.

Before the event, the Indonesian community joined various sport competitions and games as part of the celebration.

The envoy lauded the efforts of the Indonesian Community in Qatar (Permiqa), and various organisations (religion, sports, profession, education and cultural) for participating and fully supporting the activities of the embassy.

As representatives of the Indonesian people and its government, Basri urged his compatriots to be good residents by obeying all rules and regulations of the host country.

Basri said the Independence Day Commemoration reminds them to stay stronger and exert more effort in looking for the best solutions to all the problems and challenges they face. He added that independence should not be meant limitedly only by the state of enjoying freely the rights but also by responsibly exercising the obligation for the betterment of our life.

Being independent means that we can protect and maintain our common sense and humanity. Being independent means that we can build and embrace a mutually beneficial relationship.

Being independent means, we can nurture a healthy and productive community and neighbourhood.

On this auspicious occasion, the envoy extended his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the people and the Qatar government led by Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Father Emir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for hosting about 40,000 Indonesian expatriates.

With increasing work opportunities and huge projects in Qatar, the envoy sees the number to increase in the future. Therefore, the envoy would once again like to reiterate that we stand ready to keep closely working together for the benefits of our two countries.

Basri also urged that all Indonesian citizens residing in Qatar is to live with honour and dignity while respecting the local laws and actively participate

wherever they are working with full spirit and enthusiasm for the development of Qatar.

According to Indonesian Embassy’s Minister Counsellor, Boy Dharmawan, this year’s celebration is more significant after Indonesia forged stronger economic ties with Qatar on various investments by Qatari companies to Indonesia.

He added the friendship and cooperation that have long been cemented for decades between the two countries grow even stronger.

We are hoping to see the friendship and cooperation that have long been cemented for decades between the two countries grow even stronger.=DNA

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