Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, who currently chairs the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, thanked the participants and ASEAN member missions for making the initiative a success.
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, MAY 24 /DNA/ – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad hosted the closing ceremony of the Online Internship Program (OIP) 2026 and ASEAN Village 2026, bringing together diplomats, academics, students, government officials and members of the ASEAN community to celebrate regional cooperation and cultural diversity.
The event, organized by the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI), marked the culmination of the month-long online internship initiative aimed at promoting dialogue, learning and people-to-people connectivity between ASEAN member states and Pakistan. The program engaged students, academics and young professionals in discussions on ASEAN’s political, economic and socio-cultural experiences, regional cooperation, democracy, climate change and economic integration.
Among the distinguished guests were Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab Professor Muhammad Ali, senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Director General of the Foreign Office, diplomats, media representatives and participants of the internship program.
Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Chandra Warsenanto Sukotjo, who currently chairs the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, thanked the participants and ASEAN member missions for making the initiative a success. He highlighted the importance of educational engagement and cultural diplomacy in strengthening ties between ASEAN and Pakistan.
The ceremony featured the distribution of certificates to outstanding participants of the OIP 2026, recognizing their contributions and active engagement throughout the program. Cultural performances by students and ASEAN member states added color to the occasion, showcasing the rich traditions and heritage of Southeast Asia.
A major attraction of the event was the ASEAN Village, where member states established cultural and food stalls displaying traditional cuisine, handicrafts, tourism information and cultural exhibits. Guests toured the stalls, sampled delicacies from across ASEAN countries and appreciated the vibrant cultural showcase.
The High Commission of Brunei also organized a special interactive game that drew enthusiastic participation from attendees. The activity became one of the highlights of the event, promoting cultural interaction in an engaging and informal setting.
Participants and guests also enjoyed traditional dances, musical performances and fashion presentations representing various ASEAN nations.
Speaking on the occasion, the organizers expressed hope that the Online Internship Program and ASEAN Village would continue to serve as effective platforms for academic collaboration, intercultural dialogue and stronger people-to-people ties between ASEAN member states and Pakistan.
The event concluded with networking sessions, cultural performances and an ASEAN-themed “Amazing Race” activity, reinforcing the spirit of friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and Pakistan.=DNA
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