Baku, August 17, AZERTAC The Indonesian Embassy in Baku held a flag-hoisting ceremony to commemorate Indonesia's 77th Independence Day on August 17. The occasion was marked by a solemn National Flag Hoisting Ceremony that commenced at 8 a.m. and was led by Ambassador of Indonesia Hildi Hamid and attended by all Embassy’s staff, Diaspora, Indonesian citizens in Baku, alumni of Indonesian Scholarship and also some of friends of Indonesia. The flag hoisting was performed by a troop consisting of three Embassy’s staff who marched into the main Embassy forecourt to raise the national flag with precision and synchronicity accompanied by the singing of the national anthem “Indonesia Raya" by all Indonesians in attendance. The ambassador then led the moment of silence in remembrance of Indonesians who had committed the ultimate sacrifice and had fallen as heroes to achieve Indonesian independence. The ceremony was concluded by a recital of prayers for the welfare and advancement of the nation and country.Ambassador Hildi Hamid said that the momentum of Independence Day should be seen as a reminder for all Indonesians on the need to keep the nation’s diversity, unity and tolerance. It is very important to Indonesian people to keep “unity” during times of crisis especially in the midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic.This year also marks 30 years of the anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Azerbaijan. “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, our relations have developed in accordance with the interests of our peoples based on mutual respect, trust and friendship. The two countries have fruitful cooperation not only in the context of bilateral relations, but also on multilateral platforms,” said Ambassador. The solemn ceremony was then followed by cake-cutting ceremony by Ambassador Hildi Hamid and his spouse Diah Permata as part of the celebration. The ambassador also presented prizes to the winners of the series of traditional games competitions which have already been held since the second week of July 2022. The competition including kerupuk/cracker eating competition, domino, ping pong, tug of war games, sack race and games for children such as race marble, bottle fishing and others. The Indonesian independence celebration was concluded in a festive mood with the traditional music performance using traditional instruments such as Angklung, Talempong and Sape by the Embassy staff. At this event, various Indonesian dishes are served such as traditional yellow turmeric rice, rendang beef, seasoned chicken and traditional snacks.