President Prabowo’s official state visit to Saudi Arabia on July 1 was met with great excitement by Indonesian elementary school children in Jeddah. The children eagerly greeted him with Indonesian and Saudi Arabian flags, chanting “Welcome, Mr. President!” in unison. What initially started as a formal occasion soon turned into a warm and lively gathering.
President Prabowo, thrilled by the children’s enthusiasm, took the time to greet each child individually and happily posed for photographs with them. Among the students was Arsad Hanfana Al-Syarabi, who proudly mentioned that his parents worked at the Indonesian Embassy. The President encouraged the children to study well, receiving a chorus of “Yes, Sir!” in response.
The interaction not only left a lasting impact 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 after meeting President Prabowo. Senior Indonesian officials, ministers, and diplomats were also present, highlighting the importance of the visit beyond diplomatic relations.
President Prabowo’s visit to Saudi Arabia symbolized a genuine connection between a nation’s leader and its citizens abroad. For the Indonesian children in the Holy Land, the experience was both inspiring and uplifting, fostering a sense of unity and pride among those present.
This event underscores the strong bond between Indonesia and its diaspora, bringing hope and encouragement to all who witnessed the occasion.
