on the occasion of the 63rd anniversary of Independence day of Indonesia
on August 17, 2008.

 Assalamualaikum Warahmatuulahahi Wabarakattuh!

It is an honor and a privilege for me to address you on this 63rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. This is a special occasion for the whole of the Indonesian nation both at home and abroad as we celebrate with solemnity the most memorable day in our history. I would also like to extend my heartiest felicitations upon the 61st anniversary of the independence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan celebrated recently on August 14, 2008. Sixty three years ago, on 17 August 1945, the Indonesian independence was proclaimed and broke the shackles of colonialism and freed the Indonesian people. That was the dawn of a new era towards the attainment of the universal ideals of peace, justice, independence and economic prosperity.