Jeddah, July 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception by the Indonesian diaspora upon his arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, as part of his official state visit to the Kingdom.
According to a statement released by the Presidential Media Team on Wednesday, Indonesian citizens living in Saudi Arabia—including students, community organization members, and children—gathered in the hotel lobby waving the national flags of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia while chanting, “Welcome, President Prabowo.”
President Prabowo responded with warmth and humility, personally greeting the children, shaking hands, and posing for photographs. Among those who interacted directly with the President was Arsad Hanafana Al-Syarabi, a young boy who proudly shared that his parents work at the Indonesian Embassy.
“Study well, okay?” the President said encouragingly to Arsad and his peers, to which they replied in unison, “Yes, sir!”
The encounter was described by Hanif Hasanuddin, a representative of the Muhammadiyah Special Branch (PCIM) in Jeddah, as a memorable and meaningful moment. “Masya Allah. Very exciting. I rarely get the chance to meet the president directly. I am thrilled he came to visit us and shake hands,” he expressed.
In addition to the diaspora members, several high-ranking Indonesian officials were present to welcome the president, including the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, the Minister of Investment, the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Head of the Hajj Management Agency (BPH), Indonesia’s Consul General in Jeddah, and the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) from the Indonesian Embassy in Riyadh.
Also in attendance were diplomatic staff from the Indonesian Embassy and Consulate General, along with numerous Indonesian expatriates residing in the Kingdom.
The Presidential Media Team emphasized that President Prabowo’s visit to Saudi Arabia is not only a diplomatic endeavor aimed at strengthening bilateral ties but also a demonstration of his commitment to maintaining strong emotional and personal connections with Indonesian citizens abroad.
The state visit is expected to further advance strategic cooperation between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas such as investment, religious affairs, and the facilitation of Hajj operations.
