Red And White Raising In Ankara Accompanied By The Music Corps Of The Turkish Police

(ANTARA/HO-KBRI Ankara)

JAKARTA - The Turkish Police Elite Music Corps who are members of the Bandosu Police accompanies the raising of the Red and White in the commemoration ceremony of the 77th Indonesian Independence Day at the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara.

With a composition of 36 people, the music corps performed several song titles, namely Indonesia Raya, 17 August, and Indonesia Pusaka.

"This is a form of friendship between the Turkish nation and the Indonesian nation on its anniversary. A very touching expression of friendship. This makes this year's flag-raising ceremony feel different," said the Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal in a written statement at the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara, Thursday, August 18.

The Police Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara Puji Sutan explained that the rapid increase in police-to-police relations between the National Police and the Turkish National Police in the last three years prompted the Turkish National Police to contribute to the flag ceremony to commemorate the Indonesian Independence Day.

Around 500 Indonesian citizens who attended from various regions in Turkey during the ceremony looked proud to see the Red and White flag fluttering to the accompaniment of music from the Turkish police.

After the ceremony, the Indonesian citizens stormed the Turkish music corps to take a group photo. Some Indonesian citizens even make video blogs (vlogs) with members of the music corps.

"This is a different and extraordinary experience for us, considering that Indonesia is very close and has an emotional connection with the Turkish nation," said Commander of the Turkish Police Marching Band Ihsan Birinci as quoted by Antara.

The ceremony took place solemnly, attended by hundreds of Indonesian citizens and Indonesian people in Turkey.

The Indonesian Ambassador acted as Inspector of Ceremonies while the Commander of the Ceremony was Assistant to the Indonesian Defense Attache Major Marine (S) Eko Edward Sakti Napitupulu.

During the ceremony, the Indonesian Ambassador awarded honorary marks to the Indonesian Honorary Consul in Trabzon, awards to a number of outstanding Indonesian Embassy staff and former staff, as well as awards to a number of Task Forces for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens in Turkey.

After the flag-raising ceremony in the morning, the activities continued with the Red and White Festival which is expected to be attended by around 1,000 Indonesian citizens from various regions in Turkey.

In addition to performing arts by bringing in artists from Indonesia and distributing prizes, the festival will also hold a people's market titled "Tombo Kangen". Indonesian citizens from various regions will sell Indonesian food and products.