President Prabowo’s official state visit to Saudi Arabia on July 1 was met with an enthusiastic welcome from Indonesian elementary school children residing in Jeddah. The children, waving Indonesian and Saudi Arabian flags, chanted in unison, “Welcome, Mr. President!” The event, initially formal, transformed into a heartfelt gathering as President Prabowo interacted with the children, greeted them individually, and posed for photographs. Among the children was Arsad Hanfana Al-Syarabi, who confidently introduced himself as his parents work at the Indonesian Embassy. The President encouraged the children to study well, eliciting a resounding chorus of agreement from the enthusiastic young crowd.
The interaction not only left a lasting impression on the children but also on the Indonesian community present at the event. Hanif Hasanuddin, a representative of Muhammadiyah’s Special Branch in Jeddah, expressed his gratitude after shaking hands with President Prabowo. Senior Indonesian officials, ministers, and diplomats also attended, highlighting the significance of the President’s visit beyond diplomatic engagements.
President Prabowo’s visit to Saudi Arabia fostered a genuine connection between a nation’s leader and its citizens abroad. For the Indonesian children in the Holy Land, the encounter was inspiring and uplifting, emphasizing the strong bond between Indonesia and its diaspora. The event instilled hope and pride in the hearts of all those present.
