New Caledonia’s Indonesian community celebrates 79th anniversary of islands’ independence

Several invitations have been sent to Indonesian nationals in New Caledonia to celebrate the 79th anniversary of the independence of the archipelago. This Saturday, the Indonesian Consulate in Orfilinat Bay, Noumea, hosted the celebrations.

An opportunity for community members to come together.”Today, we have about 300 Indonesian passport holders in our country. New Caledonia has a large, well-integrated Indonesian diaspora of about 5,000 to 6,000 people.Patrick Hagim, Indonesian Consul to New Caledonia.

Many exchanges between our two territories have been slowed down by the crisis. The Indonesian consul hopes they can be revived.”There is a lot of exchange between New Caledonia and Indonesia, whether it is social, cultural or economic. It was very much there before the crisis. There, we have seen a drop in bilateral exchanges and we hope to restart those this year.”

Patrick Hagim, Consul of Indonesia in New Caledonia, interviewed by Thierry Chapuis and Cédric Michaut:

The initial relationship between Kayo and the then Dutch colony of Indonesia dates back to the 19th century. Lacking manpower in New Caledonia, the French colonial government brought in the first batch of 163 workers in 1896. Until 1949, 87 chartered ships received more than 19,000 men and women. They were employed under contract in mines, on farms or as domestic workers.

The workers returned all or almost all to Indonesia. In 1955, there were only 2,000 Indonesians left in New Caledonia. Today, depending on the source, the community represents between 5,000 and 8,000 people.

The community is very active. The consulate regularly organizes events that celebrate Indonesian culture. There are also several cooperation conventions signed between our two territories, especially in customs and commercial affairs.