Cairo — Indonesian students at Al Azhar University in Cairo expressed their enthusiasm as they prepared to welcome the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, during his visit to Cairo on Tuesday (December 17).

One of the students, Akbar Juanda Putra Bosa, a student of Islamic Law at Al Azhar University, described the occasion as an extraordinary opportunity to participate in welcoming the President.

“This is an incredible opportunity. Honestly, I’m super nervous, especially since we’ve been preparing for this since yesterday,” Akbar shared when interviewed at the reception venue, the hotel where Prabowo is staying.

The students have made a range of preparations, including recommending suitable accommodations for the President, arranging transportation, and coordinating with the Indonesian Embassy in Egypt.

“We took care of everything, from preparing his room to arranging transportation and ensuring smooth communication with the Egyptian authorities,” Akbar explained.

Akbar also shared his long-standing admiration for Prabowo, citing the President’s perseverance as a source of inspiration.

“What I admire most about Mr. Prabowo is his determination. I even voted for him in the last election. He’s an extraordinary fighter, and that motivates us,” Akbar said.

Another student, Muhammad Difa, expressed his happiness and pride in meeting Prabowo in person.

“We at Al Azhar Cairo are honestly nervous. After waiting so long, [Prabowo] finally visited Egypt. It’s surprising to see the President of Indonesia in person,” said Difa, also a student of Islamic Law.

Meanwhile, another student, Fara Audah, shared her hopes that Prabowo’s visit to Cairo would lead to better support for education and healthcare for Indonesian students in Cairo.

“I hope the government can truly support us, especially in terms of safety, healthcare, and policies affecting students abroad, particularly in the Middle East and Africa,” said Fara, a student of Arabic Literature at Al Azhar University. (RR)