began his official state visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (July 1). The President was greeted with cheers from Indonesian elementary school children living in Jeddah.
The students stood neatly lined up in the hotel lobby, waving Indonesian and Saudi Arabian flags while chanting in unison, “Welcome, Mr. President!” What started as a formal occasion quickly turned into a lively and heartfelt gathering.
President Prabowo beamed as he greeted each of the children individually and posed for photographs. His broad smile reflected genuine delight at the enthusiasm of these young Indonesians living far from home.
Amid the crowd, a student spoke up loudly to introduce himself.
“My name is Arsad Hanfana Al-Syarabi, Sir!” he declared.
Prabowo smiled and asked warmly, “Where do your parents work?”
“At the Indonesian Embassy, Sir,” Arsad replied confidently.
Nodding with pride, the President paused before offering the children a simple yet meaningful message.
“Study well, all right?” Prabowo said.
The children responded in chorus, their voices ringing out clearly: “Yes, Sir!”
The moment left a lasting impression not only on the children but also on the Indonesian community gathered to welcome the President. Among them was Hanif Hasanuddin, a representative of Muhammadiyah’s Special Branch in Jeddah, who shared his gratitude and hopes after shaking hands with Prabowo.
“Masya Allah, what an extraordinary moment. It’s rare for us to meet the President face to face. I am so grateful he came to visit us here. Alhamdulillah, I was able to shake his hand. May God grant him health and strength to serve the people, and may Indonesia grow more prosperous and just,” Hanif said.
Joining the reception were senior Indonesian officials, including the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, the Minister of Investment, the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Head of the Hajj Management Agency (BPH), the Indonesian Consul General in Jeddah, and the Deputy Chief of Mission of the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh. Staff members from the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh, the Consulate General in Jeddah, and representatives of the Indonesian diaspora were also present.
President Prabowo’s visit to Saudi Arabia was not merely a diplomatic engagement—it was also a moment of heartfelt connection between a nation’s leader and citizens living abroad. For the Indonesian children in the Holy Land, it was an encounter that left them inspired and uplifted.
