Celebrating 80 years of Indonesia's Independence in Nairobi

Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs Josphat Maikara toast a glass of wine, enduring friendship and partnership between Indonesia and Kenya during the 80 years of Indonesia's Independence celebrations at JW Marriot Hotel in Nairobi on November 7, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

The splendour of Indonesia's 80th independence anniversary that was hosted by the Indonesian Embassy in Kenya came alive with full excitement at JW Marriott Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi, where the ceremony was attended by the Indonesian community and friends, diplomats, government officials, among other dignitaries.

The ceremony showcased a vibrant cultural and historical journey of Indonesia since 1945.

The celebration began with the singing of national anthem from both Indonesia and Kenya, showcasing a warm historical ties that are anchored on shared principles of South- South Cooperation between the two countries, guests treated to an delightful display of Indonesian heritage, traditional dances that entertained the audience with their graceful movements and colorful costumes, with music that echoed the rich diversity of the archipelago, special culinary corner offered a taste of Indonesia’s famous cusines like Nasi Goreng, Rendang, Soto, Satay and Gado-gado among others allowing attendees to savor the country’s flavors and traditions.

Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji addressing dignitaries during the 80 years of Indonesia's Independence celebrations at JW Marriot Hotel in Nairobi on November 7, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

Speaking during the event, Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji said, "We celebrate not only our independence, but also the remarkable progress of a nation that has grown into the world’s third-largest democracy, and one of the most dynamic economies in the G20.

Our story is one of resilience, unity in diversity, and a steadfast commitment to a foreign policy that is free and actively independent, principled, and constructive. 

This policy guides Indonesia’s role in promoting peace, development, and global cooperation."

Ambassador highlighted the friendship with Kenya that has grown stronger each year, as the two countries mark the 46th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, including political and diplomatic cooperation, trade and investment, blue economy, renewable energy, and lastly, education and culture, which has so far seen more than 40 students studying in Indonesia on scholarship every year.

"As Kenya advances its industrial transformation, under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, Indonesia stands ready to collaborate in supporting these priorities, particularly in areas that empower communities, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable growth.'

"We are eager to work together in manufacturing, health, textiles, and agriculture, through investment, training, and technology transfer. Indonesia remains steadfast in supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in building partnerships that leave no one behind. We look forward to deepening our friendship with Kenya and the African continent, guided by the enduring spirit of Bandung for peace, prosperity, and solidarity among nations. "

Charge d’Affaires of Thailand Ms Sasilada Kusump, the Philippines ambassador to Kenya Marie Charlotte Tang, Indonesian Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji, together with his wife Utami Basuki Astar, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs Josphat Maikara, and the high commissioner of Malaysia Ruzaimi Mohamad, pose for a photo during the 80 years of Indonesia's Independence celebrations at JW Marriot Hotel in Nairobi on November 7, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

Prime Cabinet Secretary, who is also the Foreign and Diaspora CS Musalia Mudavadi who was unable to attend the ceremony due to other official duties was represented by Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs Josphat Maikara who acknowledged the same when he stood to read Mudavadi's speech.

The partnership with the opening of the Kenyan Embassy in Jakarta in 2022 underscores Kenya’s commitment to enhance the longstanding bilateral relations.

"Additionally, in August 2023, Kenya hosted H.E. former President Joko Widodo for an inaugural State Visit. The visit reaffirmed Kenya as one of Indonesia’s key African partners. This year marks the 46th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, a clear manifestation of the continued commitment to maintain close ties for the mutual benefit of our peoples."

Kenya and Indonesia established a framework for bilateral cooperation, including the Kenya-Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), that provides an opportunity for both countries to engage in priority areas of cooperation as well as chart a common path to enhance relations for mutual benefit.

He continued, "I am glad to note that Indonesian companies are starting to invest in Kenya. In this regard, I recognise Busana Apparel Group has partnered with local investors to build garment factories in Athi River EPZ and Kilifi Special Economic Zone."

The facilities are expected to begin operations in December 2025 and April 2026, respectively, and are projected to create more than 3500 jobs for Kenyans.

The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, led by Ambassador to Kenya Witjaksono Adji poses for a photo during the 80 years of Indonesia's Independence celebrations at JW Marriot Hotel in Nairobi on November 7, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY

Among the dignitaries present were Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs Josphait Maikara, the Philippines ambassador to Kenya Marie Charlotte Tang, the high commissioner of Malaysia Ruzaimi Mohamad, Palestine ambassador to Kenya Hazem Shabat, Iraq ambassador to Kenya Akram Jameel, Iran ambassador to Kenya Ali Goulampour, Charge d’Affaires of Thailand Ms Sasilada Kusump, among other guests.