AKARTA, Indonesia — The sounds of Hawaiian melodies and Indonesian songs echoed through classrooms, diplomatic receptions and community venues in Surabaya and Jakarta as Soldiers from the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard’s 111th Army Band, Na Koa, joined Hawaiʻi National Guard leaders in strengthening a partnership more than 20 years in the making.
From June 8-12, music became the backdrop for diplomacy as Hawaiʻi National Guard leaders met with military and government officials, shared lessons in disaster response and reserve force development, and celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Hawaiʻi-Indonesia State Partnership Program while supporting events commemorating the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence.
Established in 2006, the Hawaiʻi-Indonesia State Partnership Program has facilitated hundreds of exchanges focused on disaster response, aviation, medical readiness, cybersecurity and professional development. During the visit, Hawaiʻi National Guard leaders met with Indonesian military and government officials to explore future collaboration while the 111th Army Band served as cultural ambassadors, connecting with communities through the universal language of music.
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