Malang: Foreign students take part in Independence Day celebrations

 Dozens of international students at Brawijaya University participated in the flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence, held on the university campus in Malang City on Sunday.

The university’s Director of the International Office, Dr. Didik Hartono, said the foreign students who joined the ceremony came from various countries, including Germany, Gambia, Sudan, Myanmar, Egypt, Pakistan, and Timor-Leste.

“We involved international students in the flag ceremony, and this is a positive step. There were around 30 foreign students in total,” Hartono stated.

He explained that involving foreign students in the Independence Day ceremony was aimed at introducing them to the spirit of Indonesian nationalism.

Hartono emphasized that Indonesia’s independence was not achieved instantly but through many sacrifices.

“For example, some students from the Middle East remarked that our nationalism is truly remarkable, as it begins with the highest leaders and is embraced by the general public,” he added.

The foreign students wore white uniforms like other participants, accessorized with Independence-themed attributes such as red-and-white flag stickers on their cheeks, neckerchiefs, and even replicas of bambu runcing or sharpened bamboo spears.

“I asked some of them to wear their traditional attire and combine it with Independence Day attributes,” he said.

Mohammed Bosha, a student from Sudan and President of the UB International Student Association, said he was honored to take part in the Independence Day ceremony.

He expressed that he could truly feel the spirit of independence radiating through the Indonesian people.

“This is an unforgettable experience. For me, independence is not just history—it is a spirit of unity and struggle,” Bosha said.

Bosha, who is pursuing a doctoral degree in Environmental Microbiology, remarked that Independence Day in Indonesia is always festive.

“I often take part in the competitions; they are so much fun and truly valuable learning experiences for us,” he commented.