President Prabowo’s state visit to Saudi Arabia on July 1 was met with joy and excitement from Indonesian elementary school children in Jeddah. The children warmly welcomed the President with Indonesian and Saudi Arabian flags, chanting “Welcome, Mr. President” as he arrived at the hotel. What began as a formal event quickly turned into a lively and heartfelt gathering.
President Prabowo, delighted by the children’s enthusiasm, took the time to greet each child personally and happily posed for photos with them. Among the students, Arsad Hanfana Al-Syarabi introduced himself confidently, mentioning that his parents work at the Indonesian Embassy. The President then offered the children encouraging words to study well, which elicited a chorus of “Yes, Sir!” from the excited children.
The interaction not only left a lasting impression on the children but also on the Indonesian community in attendance. Hanif Hasanuddin, a representative of Muhammadiyah’s Special Branch in Jeddah, expressed his gratitude and optimism after meeting President Prabowo. Senior Indonesian officials, including ministers and diplomats, also joined the reception, highlighting the significance of the President’s visit beyond diplomatic purposes.
President Prabowo’s visit to Saudi Arabia symbolized a genuine connection between a nation’s leader and its citizens living abroad. The encounter was inspiring and uplifting for the Indonesian children in the Holy Land, fostering a sense of pride and hope. This event served as a reminder of the strong bond between Indonesia and its diaspora, emphasizing unity and togetherness among those present.
