PAX - Program of Academic Exchange is a program of PAX Laurasian Exchange and is designated by the U.S. Department of State as a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program sponsor.

Celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day in Indiana

Merdeka! That is the word that we use in Indonesia to say “free.”  Indonesia became independent from the Dutch and Japanese colonization on the August 17, 1945. Every year, Indonesians celebrate Independence Day.

Indonesians follow the flag ceremony and the traditional competitions. Naturally, I do as well. But this year, on August 17, 2017, it was really different! I celebrated Indonesia’s 72nd Independence Day in the United States of America.

It is impossible to do the traditional competitions or participate in the flag ceremony to celebrate the day here. So, I celebrated Indonesia’s Independence Day by sharing a traditional Indonesia key chain with my American classmates. We also took a picture together while holding Indonesia’s flag.

My classmates really love the key chain. Some of them used the key chain immediately and that made me really happy. That was one of the best days of my life. I was able to wave my country’s flag in the superpower country the United States of America with my American classmates.

I hope I am able to give my host family, classmates, teachers, and others more knowledge about my lovely Indonesia and its language, culture, nature, and the many things I love about my home country.

—Muhammad (YES, Indonesia) hosted by the Hoffman family (IN)