Beijing – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto added a personal touch to the Indonesia-China Business Forum by singing “O Ulate,” a folk song from Maluku, during his official visit to Beijing on Sunday (November 10).
Accompanied by Foreign Minister Sugiono and several ministers from the Merah Putih Cabinet, Prabowo’s performance was met with applause from forum participants, which included delegates from both Indonesia and China.
With a smile, Prabowo sang an improvised, pantun-style version of the song:
“O, Ulate Tanjung o Ulate. Tanjung Sibarane Tanjung, o Ulate. Walk around the city of Beijing, stop by Surabaya. Soon I’ll be going home, don’t forget me,” he sang, sparking smiles and cheers from the audience.
Prabowo then handed the microphone to Foreign Minister Sugiono, who enthusiastically joined in, creating a memorable moment:
“O, Ulate Tanjung o Ulate. Tanjung Sibarane Tanjung, o Ulate. Eat vegetables with starfruit, eat at the table. Happy in Beijing, meeting all friends,” Sugiono sang in response.
Following his state visit in Beijing, Prabowo is set to depart for Washington, D.C., on Sunday (November 10, 2024), from Beijing Capital International Airport.
Chinese Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying, along with an honor guard from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), was present to see Prabowo off at the steps of the aircraft. Representing Indonesia, Ambassador to China and Mongolia Djauhari Oratmangun and Defense Attaché Brigadier General (Marine) Benny P. Nadeak, along with other officials, were also there to bid farewell. (RR)
