Singapore, June 16, 2025 – The Europe Today: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto received a heartfelt welcome from Indonesian citizens residing in Singapore as he arrived in the country on Sunday evening (June 15) for a state visit. The warm reception, marked by a spirit of patriotism and pride, was led by students from the Indonesian School in Singapore (SIS) and university students.
According to an official statement, President Prabowo was greeted upon his arrival at his hotel by two Indonesian children clad in traditional Nusantara attire. The children waited eagerly at the hotel entrance to present a symbolic welcome on behalf of the Indonesian diaspora.
Not far from the entrance, a group of Indonesian university students had also gathered, expressing their excitement and admiration for the president. President Prabowo greeted them warmly, shaking hands, engaging in light conversation, and happily posing for selfies. “Thank you, thank you,” he said with a smile, acknowledging their enthusiastic welcome.
Inside the hotel premises, the atmosphere became even more festive as dozens of SIS students from grades 3 to 6, dressed in blue batik uniforms bearing the school’s logo, waved small Indonesian flags and energetically chanted, “Selamat datang, Bapak Presiden!” (“Welcome, Mr. President!”). President Prabowo responded with evident joy, walking over to greet the children personally, shaking hands with each student and posing for photos.
“How old are you?” he asked the group, to which they responded, “Ten!” in unison.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” he continued.
“Soldier!” one student replied confidently.
“Soldier?” Prabowo echoed with a smile.
Among those who met the president was a student named Nailun, who was visibly excited to take a photo with him. “As a keepsake of meeting Mr. Prabowo. I hope you lead this country very well and keep up the spirit, Sir,” said Nailun.
Teachers from the SIS also expressed their pride and appreciation. “We are proud to welcome you in person here in Singapore. The children are even more enthusiastic about learning and building this country in the future,” said SIS teacher Michael Hary.
Earlier that day, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong personally welcomed President Prabowo at Paya Lebar Air Base, meeting him at the foot of the airplane stairs — a gesture of high diplomatic honor.
As part of his state visit on Monday, President Prabowo will participate in a series of key engagements. He will be formally welcomed in a state ceremony by Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at Parliament House, a symbolic event underscoring the growing strength of Indonesia–Singapore relations. He is also scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Tharman and participate in the Leaders’ Retreat with Prime Minister Wong.
“These meetings reflect the deepening relationship and shared priorities between Indonesia and Singapore,” said Yusuf Permana, Deputy for Protocol, Press, and Media at the Presidential Secretariat.
