World Refugee Day 2003: Indonesia

Refugee children spring to attention in the jumping frog race. © UNHCR/A.Restu

© © UNHCR/A.Restu

It was a day of songs and sports for more than 200 refugees who celebrated World Refugee Day at the Mega Mendung Permai Resort near Jakarta.

Pulling their weight in the tug of war, which the Afghan refugees eventually won.

© UNHCR/A.Restu

The Afghan refugees started the day with a music show, followed by performances of traditional Arabic music and songs in Indian and Indonesian.

Refugees from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia took part in a tug of war, which the Afghans won and promptly expressed their joy by breaking into song and dance on stage.

There was also a volleyball match and a swimming competition, as well as a jumping frog race for the children. Some refugees worked up a sweat in another way, by taking part in a cooking competition. Yet others opted for the quiet contemplation of a drawing contest and flower-arrangement lessons.

Pretty posies in the flower-arrangement class.

© UNHCR/A.Restu

At the end of the day, everyone left feeling happy and hopeful that such activities will be a regular feature in their refugee life.