Indonesian @ Fatima
Hari Merdeka - Independence Day
Tuesday August 17th 2021
Selamat and welcome to this Indonesian update.
On Rabu Augustus tujuh belas (Wednesday August 17th), we celebrated Indonesia’s 77th year of independence…Hari Merdeka - Independence Day!
We recognised and celebrated this day by playing traditional Indonesian games like balap karung (potato sack racing) and suwitan (a popular game played by children throughout Asia). Some students also sampled some Indonesian-style noodles. The students had a ball and thoroughly enjoyed the activities, as these photos show!
Here is a quick history timeline leading up to Indonesia’s Independence:
1512
The first Europeans to arrive in Indonesia were the Portuguese in 1512. They were followed by the Dutch and the British. The Dutch East India Company became the dominant power and began to colonise the area, taking control for the next several hundred years.
1942
By the end of the 20th century, the Indonesians had had enough and demanded their independence, but the dutch did not allow it.
During World War II, Japan invaded the islands of Indonesia, and the Dutch fled.
After Japan lost the war, Indonesia declared their independence.
It took several years of fighting and negotiations.
17 August 1945
Indonesia proclaimed its independence - Hari Merdeka!
Ibu Ibrahim
Indonesian teacher