International Multi-cultural Day in Makassar brings local residents and migrants together

Roughly 5,000 Makassar residents and migrants from a dozen countries marked an international multi-cultural day celebrating the diversity of their community in Pantai Losari, Makassar, with a day or music, dance and great food organized by IOM and its local partners.

IOM Makassar has worked closely with the mayor’s office, social affairs ministry, security and immigration officials to foster close, positive ties between host neighborhoods and the hundreds of migrants residing in the city pending resolution of their cases.

The good works of many migrants, their spirit of volunteerism and a determination to be seen as valued members of their communities are a model for cities across Indonesia, local officials say.

The children of Afghan migrants living in Makassar, Indonesia perform "We Are The World" during an international multicultural festival Nov 20, 2016.

IOM Indonesia Chief of Mission Mark Getchell speaks to a crowd of roughly 5,000 people attending an international multicultural festival in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Nov 20, 2016, that featured dance, songs and cuisine from the homelands of migrants residing in the bustling port city under IOM care.

Mr. Harun Rani, the Camat (head of District) of Mariso, gave his opening speech on the celebration of the International Multi-Cultural Day in Makassar.

Afghan-born migrants perform Makassar's traditional Ganrang Bulo dance during an international multicultural day in the South Sulawesi capitol on Nov 20, 2016.

Australia’s consul general in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Richard Mathews, IOM chief of mission Mark Getchell and Nelson Bosch, IOM Makassar’s head of office mingle with performers at an international multicultural festival, Nov 20, 2016, that featured dance, songs and cuisine from the homelands of migrants residing in the bustling port city under IOM care.

Richard Mathews, Australia's Consul General in Makassar, South Sulawesi, gets in the spirit of international multicultural day event with a small donation to a Barongsai (Lion dance) dancer.

An Afghan migrant performs on the Dambora (traditional guitar) for a crowd of roughly 5,000 people who attended an international multicultural festival in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Nov 20, 2016, that featured dance, songs and cuisine from the homelands of migrants residing in the bustling port city under IOM care.

An Iranian migrant introduces Makassar residents to traditional food from home at an international multicultural festival, Nov 20, 2016, that featured dance, songs and cuisine from the homelands of migrants residing in the city with IOM's assistance.