According to a statement released by the Presidential Media Team in Jakarta on Wednesday, the president was greeted with cheers by Indonesian citizens, including students, members of community organizations, and children.
Waving the flags of Indonesia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, members of the welcoming delegation gathered around the hotel lobby, chanting, "Welcome, President Prabowo."
President Prabowo responded warmly, greeting the children one by one and taking photos with them, including Arsad Hanafana Al-Syarabi, who had the opportunity to speak directly with the head of state.
“Where do your parents work?” the president asked.
“At the Indonesian Embassy, sir,” Arsad replied
“Study well, okay?” Prabowo told the group.
“Yes, sir!” Arsad and his friends responded in unison.
Related news: Prabowo Saudi visit to bolster strategic synergy: BP Haji
Hanif Hasanuddin, a representative of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) in Jeddah, expressed his gratitude for the rare opportunity to meet the president in person.
“Masya Allah. Very exciting. I rarely get the chance to meet the president directly. I am thrilled he came to visit us and shake hands,” he remarked.
In addition to members of the public and students, several senior Indonesian officials present at the hotel to welcome the president were the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, the Minister of Investment, the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Head of the Hajj Management Agency (BPH), Indonesia’s Consul General in Jeddah, and the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) from the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh.
Staff from the Indonesian Embassy and Consulate General, as well as representatives of the Indonesian diaspora, also attended.
The Presidential Media Team noted that the president’s visit to Saudi Arabia serves not only as a diplomatic mission but also as a gesture of emotional connection between the nation’s leader and Indonesian citizens living abroad.
Related news: Prabowo seeks Saudi approval for Indonesian pilgrims' village in Mecca
Translator: Andi, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
