London (ANTARA News) – The Canadian government specifically invited the Indonesian Ambassador to Ottawa, Dr. Teuku Faizasyah, as well as embassy staff and Indonesian citizens to attend the “Changing of the Guard” which took place on Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Wednesday (8/17).

“The invitation from the Canadian government is like a special gift for all Indonesians celebrating Independence Day,” Bahana, Minister of Social and Cultural Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, said on Thursday Menggala Bara, at Antara London.

This changing of the guard ceremony is one of the attractions of the capital, Ottawa. Throughout the summer, the ceremony, which has taken place since 1959, takes place on Parliament Hill.

According to Daniel Labouthill, Public Affairs Division of the Canadian Department of Defense, this tradition is carried out by “the Canadian Armed Forces Ceremonial Guard” made up of approximately 116 soldiers made up of 54 new and returning soldiers each and eight musicians.

This ceremony has a special attraction due to the solidarity of the “Canadian Armed Forces Ceremonial Guard” who performed various charming marching stunts combined with the playing of musical instruments by troops in red uniforms with cowhide hats. 'bear.

After the ceremony, visitors were able to take photos with members of the troupe. The guard troops appeared friendly as they responded to visitors' requests for group photos and selfies.

The presence of the Indonesian Ambassador and citizens as well as the staff of the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa at the “Changing of the Guard” ceremony marked the conclusion of the series of commemorations of the 71st Indonesian Independence Day after the Indonesian independence anniversary ceremony in the morning. .

The ceremony was led by Ambassador Teuku Faizasyah and took place solemnly in the presence of approximately 150 participants composed of the Indonesian community and the diaspora in the cities of Ottawa and Montreal, adding to the warm atmosphere of conviviality.

Teuku Faizasyah said Indonesia has enough capital to become an increasingly valued nation in the world. These assets include democracy, pluralism, a vast territory and abundant natural resources as well as the demographic composition with an average population age of 28.6 years in 2016.

The government will focus on these modalities to achieve three decisive steps for national development, as stated by President Joko Widodo in his State of the Nation Address on August 16, 2016, namely the acceleration of infrastructure, preparation of production capacities and human resources, as well as delegation and debureaucratization. .

In line with the central theme of Indonesia's 71st Independence Day, “Real Work in Indonesia”, Ambassador Teuku Faizasyah asked Indonesian representatives in Canada to continue working diligently to produce real work and play a active role in contributing to national development.