Indonesian

Indonesian Independence Day - August 17th 

This week in Indonesian classes, students will be participating in some fun activities to recognise an important day for Indonesia, Indonesian Independence Day.

The activities will include rice cracker eating competitions, marble and spoon races and singing the Indonesian national anthem.

Make sure to ask your child(ren) about these activities and there’ll be photos to come next week!

Here are 5 facts about Indonesian Independence that you may not know:

1. Indonesia was under Dutch colonial rule for over 300 years before they declared their independence on August 17, 1945. However, it took a further 4 years to have their independence recognised by the Netherlands.
2. Japan also took control of Indonesia from 1942 until the end of World War Two in 1945.
3. ‘Happy Independence Day’ in Indonesian is ‘Selamat Hari Merdeka’.
4. Indonesians are encouraged to fly their flag in front of their home, school or work place on Independence Day.
5. A traditional, yet dangerous activity on Indonesian Independence Day includes ‘Panjat Pinang’ where competitors attempt to scramble up a grease covered wooden pole to reach prizes at the top!