Daily Star Political News: Indonesian troops celebrate independence

By Mohammed Zaatari Daily Star staff Thursday, August 21, 2008 MARJAYOUN: The Indonesian battalion (INDOBATT) serving as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) celebrated on Wednesday Indonesian Independence Day with martial-arts performances and traditional dances. The ceremony to mark the 63rd anniversary of Indonesia's independence was held at INDOBAT's headquarters in the Southern Lebanese village of Atchit, near Marjayoun. The Indonesian "Mambre Dance" or "War Dance" was especially popular with the guests. Mambre Dance originated in Eastern Indonesia, in Papua Island. The dance visualizes the dispute among the tribes deep in the jungle in ancient times. It was a long-running conflict between two large tribes to regain their territories and influence over other tribes in the region. However,... [read full story]