Garudapost.id-Pakistan/ 18 August 2026, The International Institute for Regional and International Studies (IIRIS), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad, organized a special ceremony in Islamabad to commemorate the Independence Days of Pakistan and Indonesia and celebrate the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The event brought together diplomats, academics, students, media representatives, and members of civil society to highlight the shared bonds, diplomatic journey, cultural connections, and future opportunities between Pakistan and Indonesia.
In his welcoming remarks, Shafiqat Rasool, President of IIRIS, highlighted the importance of Pakistan–Indonesia relations and the broader partnership between Pakistan and ASEAN. He emphasized the strong people-to-people connections, cultural understanding, educational cooperation, youth engagement, and opportunities for enhanced diplomatic and regional cooperation.
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Rahmat Hindiarta, Minister Counsellor/Coordinator for Information, Social and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of Indonesia, highlighted the status of Indonesia and Pakistan as the two largest Muslim countries in the world. “Indonesia only can encourage and share best experience to its brotherly Muslim countries that Islam and culture can walk together,” he said while cutting Tumpeng as an Indonesian cultural product and sign of gratitude.
Instead of cake, the Indonesian people make a traditional cone-shaped yellow rice dish surrounded by a rich variety of meat and vegetable side dishes, called Tumpeng. The top cone of Tumpeng symbolizes intimacy to Allah The Almighty.
Donny Ardiwidha, First Secretary (Political Affairs), Embassy of Indonesia, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of Indonesia–Pakistan relations and continued diplomatic engagement. He underscored the importance of strengthening mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries.
Zohreh Shahbeik, Counselor, Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Islamabad, extended her remarks on the occasion and congratulated the people of Pakistan and Indonesia on their Independence Days. She emphasized the importance of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation among regional countries and expressed her best wishes for stronger relations between Pakistan and Indonesia.
Hanan Durrani, Executive Producer, Pakistan Television (PTV), also shared his remarks, highlighting the significance of the Independence Days of Pakistan and Indonesia and the importance of strengthening cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
The ceremony was attended by students and participants from Pakistan and Indonesia, reflecting the strong interest of the younger generation in bilateral relations, cultural exchange, diplomacy, and international cooperation.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Pakistan–Indonesia relations, Pakistan–ASEAN cooperation, cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges, youth engagement, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity.
IIRIS and the Embassy of Indonesia reaffirmed their shared commitment to creating further platforms for dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among people of both brotherly countries, contributing to a stronger and more dynamic partnership between Pakistan and Indonesia.
