74th Indonesian Independence Celebration.
In the picture H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, accompanied by the Mayor of Rijswijk, Mr Michel Bezuijen.
As an integral part of the 74th Indonesian Independence celebration, the Indonesian Embassy in The Hague organized Pasar Indonesia Raya (Pandora) in the city of Rijswijk ZH, on 13-15 September 2019. The fair attracted thousands of visitors from around the Netherlands and beyond.
Pandora 2019 was officially declared opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in the Netherlands, H.E. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, accompanied by the Mayor of Rijswijk, Mr Michel Bezuijen. Witnessing the opening ceremony were members of the diplomatic community, the Ambassadors China, El Salvador, Thailand, Kuwait, Bangladesh as well as members of the press. Before the official opening Ambassador Puja performed with Dharma Wanita Persatuan KBRI Den Haag.
They sang national and regional songs, including the renowned Indonesian song Tanah Air Beta. It is a nostalgic song, an expression of love for the homeland of Indonesia, the most beautiful country that is second to none. The performance was greatly appreciated by the audience.
Mayor Michel Bezuijen expressed his appreciation for being invited to join in the 2019 festivities. Pandora has become one of the city’s favourite annual events. I, therefore, did not think twice when I received the invitation to attend the Pandora 2019. It is the largest Indonesian cultural festival in the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Puja in his opening remarks stated that he was very happy to celebrate Independence Day together with guests, the Indonesian community, and a great variety of visitors. Ambassador Puja went on to say, what a beautiful day. Welcome to all visitors and welcome to this year’s Pandora event. I hope that you all can enjoy and have fun with various kinds of music, dances and delicious food from all over the archipelago. I am sure you will all go home with a full stomach , said Ambassador Puja.
This year Pandora was joined by 47 archipelago culinary stands and 37 stands of Indonesian products. Visitors could enjoy a variety of Indonesian dishes including Padang, Central Java, West Java, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, Medan and Betawi .
Testimonials: Alhamdulillah, from the first day my booth was visited by many buyers. The merchandise sold well even though this is the first time he joined Pandora. I will come again next year.
Erna is not the only trader who comes directly from Indonesia. Erna claimed to come with several other friends and felt the same way. Bertha, a young Indonesian entrepreneur who is studying in Amsterdam also participated in introducing his products. Bertha introduced a bag product based on woven fabric from NTT branded Ayotupas Handmade Indonesia and a minimalist yet modern design batik T-shirt product from SeKawan.
Exhibitors from Transvision, the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Alzheimer’s Foundation, BNI and Garuda Indonesia.
Pandora’s program was enriched by various musical performances, dance and fashion shows. Native Indonesian artists as well as who have settled in the Netherlands and those who directly imported from Indonesia such as the Traditional Music Group Ki Ageng Ganjur and Imam Jimbrot along with Mel Shandy, Bali Blues Brothers and Gus Teja, Bona Indonesian Idol and Fitri Carlina contributed to the event.
I am very delighted to be here. I like Indonesian cuisine. I love this event because I can enjoy Indonesian cuisine,” said Rick Maliangkay, a Dutch citizen.
Another visitor from Nigeria, Mohammed, claimed to come every day to Pandora. He heard this event from an Indonesian friend. “This event is very interesting, the visitors here are also very friendly, and the food is very good. I like ice cendol,” said Mohammed.
Besides being attended by Indonesians, and Dutch citizens other nationals attended as well.
