“Unreal and Amazing,” West Java Students’ Unforgettable Impressions While Meeting President Prabowo at Palace

The visit to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta as part of the “Palace for Schoolchildren” program on Tuesday (05/05), leaves a deep impression on the students of the West Java Student Council Forum (FOJB). (Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat)

The visit to the Presidential Palace in Jakarta as part of the “Palace for Schoolchildren” program on Tuesday (05/05), left a deep impression on the students of the West Java Student Council Forum (FOJB). For them, this experience was not just about seeing a historic building, but also a rare, inspiring moment that will remain unforgettable for the rest of their lives.

Even more special, the FOJB was the first group in the “Palace for Schoolchildren” program to have the opportunity to meet President Prabowo Subianto in person. This moment made their visit not only educational but also filled with pride and emotion.

Expressions of joy and amazement radiated from the students’ faces after touring the Palace complex and meeting President Prabowo in person. Zaki, a student at Yadika High School in Soreang, admitted he still could not believe the experience he had just had.

“I didn’t expect it because it was completely unreal. I am used to seeing (the President) on TikTok and social media. Today, I saw him in person. I’m truly happy. I never thought it would happen in my life. Also, Pak Prabowo was really nice as well as Lt. Col. Teddy. I’ll never forget about this because it’s truly amazing,” he said enthusiastically.

The moment was even more memorable when Zaki even had the opportunity to shake hands with the President. He also shared his hopes for the President. “Sir, please pray for me to get the scholarship. He then replied ‘amen’. Alhamdulillah, it was really exciting. Hopefully, it comes true,” he said.

Oryza, a student at Sukatani High School 2, who had previously had the opportunity to speak with the President via the phone, also felt touched and moved to tears when he finally met the Head of State and expressed his appreciation for the “Palace for Schoolchildren” program.

“To Bapak President Prabowo Subianto, thank you so much for welcoming us, for establishing the “Palace for Schoolchildren” program, which was incredibly beneficial for us and has truly prepared us for our future career paths. Thank you so much, Mr. President and Mr. Cabinet Secretary, Bapak Teddy,” he added.

Meanwhile, the FOJB Chairperson, Salsabila Nuria Muharam, said that meeting President Prabowo in person was completely an unexpected surprise for the participants. She also expressed her pride at being part of the first group to receive such an opportunity.

“I’m so proud. If I were to rate it on a scale of 1 to 10, I couldn’t imagine it, probably 1,000 times than that, because we, the forum, and the school are truly proud,” she said.

Princesta, a student at High School 5 of South Tambun, also left a profound impression on the Palace by its ambiance and beauty. More than just a visit, the experience even sparked a new dream for her.

“I always pray that one day, I’ll be here, in this position, replacing the special staff here, maybe even becoming a minister someday, and so on,” she said with full of hope.

The “Palace for Schoolchildren” program does not only broaden students’ horizons about government but also ignites new enthusiasm and aspirations in the younger generation to contribute to the nation in the future. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/AW)