President Prabowo recently embarked on an official state visit to Saudi Arabia on July 1, where he received a warm welcome from Indonesian elementary school children residing in Jeddah. The children gathered in the hotel lobby, waving Indonesian and Saudi Arabian flags while chanting “Welcome, Mr. President!” This initial formality quickly turned into a lively and heartfelt gathering as President Prabowo, visibly delighted, greeted each child individually and posed for photographs. One student, Arsad Hanfana Al-Syarabi, proudly introduced himself as his parents work at the Indonesian Embassy, which filled the President with pride. President Prabowo encouraged the children to study well, receiving a resounding response of “Yes, Sir!” from the enthusiastic youngsters.
This interaction not only resonated with the children but also with the Indonesian community in attendance. Hanif Hasanuddin, a representative of Muhammadiyah’s Special Branch in Jeddah, expressed gratitude and hope after shaking hands with President Prabowo. The presence of senior Indonesian officials, ministers, and diplomats underscored the significance of the visit beyond diplomatic matters. President Prabowo’s visit to Saudi Arabia symbolized a true connection between a nation’s leader and its citizens abroad. For the Indonesian children in Saudi Arabia, the encounter was inspiring and uplifting, highlighting the strong bond between Indonesia and its diaspora, fostering hope and pride among all participants.
