President Prabowo’s official state visit to Saudi Arabia on July 1 was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from Indonesian elementary school children living in Jeddah. The children, proudly waving Indonesian and Saudi Arabian flags, greeted the President with cheers and chants of “Welcome, Mr. President!” The formal occasion quickly turned into a heartfelt gathering as President Prabowo interacted with each child, posing for photographs and offering words of encouragement. One student, Arsad Hanfana Al-Syarabi, introduced himself confidently as the child of Indonesian Embassy employees, leaving the President beaming with pride.
The sincere 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 gratitude and optimism after meeting President Prabowo. Senior Indonesian officials, ministers, and diplomats present at the reception highlighted the significance of the President’s visit, emphasizing the strong bond between Indonesia and its diaspora.
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 encounter was both inspiring and uplifting, fostering a sense of pride and hope. The occasion demonstrated the unwavering relationship between Indonesia and its diaspora, leaving a positive impact on all those in attendance.
