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, “Welcome, Mr. President!” in unison, creating a vibrant and heartfelt atmosphere. President Prabowo, clearly delighted by the children’s energy, took the time to greet each child individually and pose for photographs. One student, Arsad Hanfana Al-Syarabi, proudly mentioned that his parents work at the Indonesian Embassy, which filled the President with pride. He offered the children a simple yet meaningful message to study well, receiving an enthusiastic response of “Yes, Sir!” from the 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 gratitude and hope after meeting President Prabowo. The presence of senior Indonesian officials, ministers, and diplomats highlighted the significance of the visit beyond diplomatic engagements. President Prabowo’s visit to Saudi Arabia showcased a 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, reinforcing the strong bond between Indonesia and its diaspora. It instilled hope and pride in the hearts of all those present.
