The Indonesian Expo 2024, held from August 16 to 18 at Centaurus Mall Islamabad, attracted huge crowds from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
This event, marking the first of its kind at the iconic shopping center, was organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad to celebrate the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day.
The events showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage and economic potential. The Expo featured a mix of cultural displays and business-oriented events aimed at strengthening ties between Indonesia and Pakistan.
The event featured a variety of traditional and cultural performances, including Pencak Silat, an Indonesian martial art, and creative and religious performances by Indonesian students in Pakistan. The Expo also included theme-based discussions on trade, tourism, investment, education, and religious moderation, all designed to bring the two nations closer.
Visitors to the Expo were treated to a unique cultural experience, with photo booths featuring iconic Indonesian heritage backgrounds such as the Rumah Gadang from West Sumatera Province, and the Embassy’s vehicle adorned with Pakistan’s truck art, incorporating Indonesian motifs. A miniature museum and historical display provided an engaging way for visitors to learn about Indonesia’s rich history.
During the main celebration of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17, the Indonesian Chargé d’Affaires, Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, emphasized the Embassy’s focus on strengthening economic ties and enhancing people-to-people contact with Pakistan. He described the Expo as a fusion of commerce and culture, reflecting Indonesia’s dynamic growth and cultural diversity.
“We have cordial political and diplomatic relations, which need to be translated into more tangible outcomes. Indonesia offers significant opportunities in various sectors that Pakistani counterparts can explore. Holding the Expo at Centaurus Mall is our way of bringing the peoples of our two brotherly countries closer,” Kusuma stated.
Sardar Yasir Ilyas, CEO of Centaurus, expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian Embassy for choosing Centaurus Mall as the venue for the Expo.
Ilyas praised the Embassy’s active diplomacy, which has helped bring the people of Indonesia and Pakistan closer together. “Centaurus Mall is the perfect venue for foreign missions to promote their countries in Pakistan. We hope more Pakistanis can learn from Indonesia’s achievements,” he remarked, speaking in both English and Urdu to maximize the impact of his message.
The event also featured a “Tumpeng Cutting Ceremony,” a traditional Indonesian ritual symbolizing gratitude and honor. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic exchange of gifts: the CEO of Centaurus presented a token representing the ongoing development of the Centaurus complex, while the Indonesian CDA gifted a plaque of Pancasila, Indonesia’s state ideology, which has played a crucial role in uniting the country and fostering its political stability and economic prosperity.
Attendees praised the Expo for its successful blend of business and culture. “The Expo was a fantastic opportunity to learn about Indonesia. The blend of business and culture made it a truly memorable experience for me,” said Haseeb from Lahore.
Tahir Mughal from Islamabad added, “High appreciation to the Embassy’s initiatives. More and more Pakistanis are discovering the beauty and diversity of Indonesia.”
The Indonesian Expo 2024 at Centaurus Mall was a vibrant event, highlighting the strong diplomatic and cultural ties between Indonesia and Pakistan while paving the way for future collaborations.