President Prabowo embarked on his official state visit to Saudi Arabia on July 1, where he was welcomed with cheers and excitement from Indonesian elementary school children residing in Jeddah. The children, lined up neatly in the hotel lobby, enthusiastically waved Indonesian and Saudi Arabian flags while chanting in unison, “Welcome, Mr. President!” What initially started as a formal occasion quickly transformed into a vibrant and heartfelt gathering.
President Prabowo, visibly delighted by the children’s enthusiasm, greeted each child individually and happily posed for photographs. Amidst the crowd, one student, Arsad Hanfana Al-Syarabi, confidently introduced himself as his parents work at the Indonesian Embassy. The President, beaming with pride, offered the children a simple yet meaningful message to study well, which was met with a resounding chorus of “Yes, Sir!” from the children.
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 and hopes after shaking hands with President Prabowo. Senior Indonesian officials, including ministers and diplomats, also attended the reception, emphasizing the significance of the President’s visit beyond diplomatic engagements.
President Prabowo’s visit to Saudi Arabia was a moment of genuine connection between a nation’s leader and its citizens abroad. For the Indonesian children in the Holy Land, the encounter was both inspiring and uplifting. The occasion was a testament to the strong bond between Indonesia and its diaspora, instilling hope and pride in the hearts of all those present.
