This year marks the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s independence. According to the Ministry of the Interior, as of December 2023, Indonesian nationals make up the largest group of migrant workers in Taiwan, with a total of 244,002 people. To celebrate Indonesia’s National Day on August 17, the Chinese Guanxin Association, in collaboration with the Nantou Service Station of the National Immigration Agency, organized a celebration at Zhongshan Park in Nantou City, attracting many Indonesian migrant workers, new residents, and local citizens.
On the day of the event, Indonesian migrant workers and new residents formed a parade, their faces painted with the Indonesian flag and dressed in traditional attire, marching from Nangang Industrial Zone to Zhongshan Park, filling the route with a lively atmosphere.
Migrant friends proudly wear the Indonesian flag, happily participating in the event (Image / Taken from the Immigration Agency website)
Guan Chen-yi, Chairman of the Chinese Guanxin Association, stated that this was the first large-scale celebration of Indonesia’s National Day held in Nantou, aimed at offering migrant workers and new residents a chance to ease their homesickness amidst their busy work lives. He expressed hope that this event would continue in the future.
Following a solemn flag-raising ceremony, the event moved into traditional Indonesian games, including sack races, tug-of-war, and the marble-spoon race, along with the classic "Shrimp Cracker Eating Contest." In this contest, participants were required to keep their hands behind their backs, and the fastest to finish the shrimp cracker hanging on a string would be the winner. The entire event was filled with laughter, with participants from all nationalities enjoying the joyous atmosphere.
Migrant workers and locals participate in a fun shrimp cracker eating contest (Image / Taken from the Immigration Agency website)
Lin Hung-Chih, Director of the Nantou County Service Station of the National Immigration Agency, stated that this event was not only a celebration of Indonesia’s National Day but also aimed at promoting the principles of the "International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination" (ICERD), enhancing understanding and tolerance of multiculturalism. He hopes that through these fun competitions, more people will learn about Indonesian culture and spread the values of “respecting diversity and appreciating differences,” fostering a society of inclusivity and cultural integration.
