Cairo – President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in Cairo, Egypt, not only by high-ranking officials and the Indonesian Embassy but also by young Indonesian elementary school students studying in Cairo.

The children, dressed in traditional West Sumatran attire, greeted Prabowo on Tuesday (17/12) at the hotel where he was staying. Among them were Iffa Nur Hafiza, a 4th grader, and Achmad Cheisan Khalifah, a 6th grader.

“I’m wearing Padang traditional clothes. I feel so excited because meeting the President is so motivating for all of us. I’m also really happy to meet him,” said Iffa.

For Iffa, this marked her first opportunity to meet a national leader, making it a memorable moment.

“I feel so proud, so happy. I’m really just proud of myself for meeting Mr. Prabowo,” she shared.

Similarly, Achmad expressed his admiration and excitement upon meeting Prabowo and having the chance to shake his hand.

“I’m happy because this is my first time meeting the President and shaking his hand. I’m amazed,” said Achmad.

The idea of wearing West Sumatran traditional attire was initiated by the students themselves when they learned they would have the opportunity to welcome Prabowo in Cairo.

“The idea came from the elementary school kids themselves when they were told about the President’s arrival. They wanted to participate in welcoming him,” explained Mochammad Khafid, a parent of one of the students.

In addition to the students, the principal of the Indonesian School in Cairo, Abdul Muta’ali, was present to greet Prabowo. He emphasized the historical and educational ties between Indonesia and Egypt.

“We are very proud that the President came here because Egypt was the first country to recognize Indonesia’s independence. Education continues to serve as a bilateral link for Indonesia and Egypt,” Abdul said. (RR)