Jakarta, Indonesia — During a recent visit by a multi-party parliamentary delegation to Indonesia, Smt. Aparajita Sarangi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament from Odisha, engaged with the local Odiya diaspora and paid tribute to one of Odisha’s most revered leaders, the late Shri Biju Patnaik.
In a special ceremony held at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, Smt. Sarangi inaugurated the newly established ‘Biju Hall’ and unveiled a commemorative plaque in honor of Shri Patnaik — a distinguished freedom fighter, aviator, and statesman. The hall is a tribute to his enduring legacy and deep ties with Indonesia.
Shri Biju Patnaik played a significant role during Indonesia’s struggle for independence, particularly during the 1947 Indonesian Revolution, when he undertook a daring air rescue mission to support the fledgling republic. In recognition of his courageous efforts, the Indonesian government conferred upon him its highest civilian award, the Bintang Jasa Utama, and granted him honorary citizenship, bestowing the title Bumi Putra — meaning ‘son of the soil’.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Sarangi praised Shri Patnaik’s exemplary contributions to the freedom movements of both India and Indonesia. She highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the two nations, underscoring the importance of commemorating such shared legacies.
The event was attended by members of the Odiya Samaj in Indonesia, Embassy officials, and representatives from the Indian community. It served as a moment of pride and reflection on the enduring friendship between India and Indonesia, strengthened by shared heroes like Shri Biju Patnaik.
