Indonesian Reception

in Celebration of the 76th Independence Day

As the peak event for the series of activities to commemorate the 76th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Houston held a Diplomatic Reception on Thursday evening, August 26. 

This year’s diplomatic reception took the theme of one of Indonesia’s most vibrant cultures namely the Betawi of Jakarta. 

The venue was filled with typical Betawi decorations and ornaments with floral surroundings. A key feature was the presence of the Ondel-Ondel couple statues, traditionally used to welcome visitors into Jakarta.

Attending the reception were representatives from the Consular Corps of some 50 countries, the Houston City Council, Congressman office, business chambers and its representatives, and the academia – in this regard; Rice University and representatives of Indonesian professionals and Indonesian diaspora. 

Speaking at the reception were the distinguished guests of Consul General Andre Omer Siregar: the Regional Director of the Office of Foreign Mission, Ms. Katherine Ho; the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs, Mr. Christopher Olson; Dean of Consular Corps of Houston, Ambassador Mr. Rodolfo Molina of Peru; and the Outreach Liaison of the Office of Congressman Al Green, Mr. Sam Merchant who also delivered a Special Certificate of Congressional Appreciation on behalf of the constituents of the 9th Congressional District of Texas, in recognition of the Consul Generals service to the community while promoting friendship and economic activity between Indonesia and the USA.

The diplomatic reception also highlighted two dance performances from Betawi Culture the Lenggang Nyai and also the Enggang dance from the province of East Kalimantan which is proposed to be Indonesia’s next capital city. 

This year’s diplomatic reception also showcased a special drink from Mustika Ratu, entitled Jejamu which promoted traditional herbal drinks in fusion with millennials coffee lifestyles.

While the guests present enjoyed the ceremonies, everyone still exercised the recommended health protocols during the entirety of the reception due to the continuing Covid pandemic.