Warm Welcome from Indonesian Diaspora as President Prabowo Arrives in Bangkok

A warm and enthusiastic atmosphere welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s arrival at the hotel where he was staying in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday evening (05/17). (Photo by: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)

A warm and enthusiastic welcome awaited President Prabowo Subianto upon his arrival at the hotel where he was staying in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday evening (05/17). The President was greeted with enthusiasm by members of the Indonesian diaspora, many of whom had gathered well in advance to catch a glimpse of their head of state.

As a gesture of honor and cultural pride, two Indonesian children dressed in traditional attire from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) presented President Prabowo with a flower garland. The welcoming crowd—comprising Indonesian students, professionals, and entrepreneurs living in Thailand—lined the hotel entrance, waving flags and offering words of support.

Among those who welcomed the President were Yusuf and Fairuz, two Indonesian children who had the honor of presenting him with flowers. “I was happy, but also a little nervous—really nervous,” one of them said with a smile. The children also offered a simple prayer: “We pray Mr. President stays healthy and lives a long life.”

Several Indonesian students studying in Thailand—such as Viny, Dika, and Adam—were also present at the event. They expressed their excitement at meeting President Prabowo in person for the first time, describing the moment as both meaningful and inspiring.

“We’re definitely happy and excited, especially since this is our first time,” said several members of the Indonesian student community. “As part of the diaspora, it means a lot to have the President visit the country where we currently live.”

Intan, an Indonesian worker based in Bangkok, also shared her appreciation for the President’s outreach. “It’s truly heartwarming to meet President Prabowo and to see that he made time to meet with us, the Indonesian diaspora in Thailand—especially those of us in Bangkok,” she said. “I hope he continues to lead our country with strength, spirit, and success.”

Hardy Chandra, another member of the Indonesian community in Thailand, emphasized the broader significance of President Prabowo’s visit, particularly in the realm of economic diplomacy. “We hope this visit will help boost our economy, especially at a time when ASEAN countries need stronger synergy,” he said after briefly shaking hands with the President. “We pray President Prabowo always stays healthy and under his leadership, Indonesia’s trade, investment, and economy will continue to thrive.”

President Prabowo’s presence with the Indonesian community in Thailand was more than a ceremonial occasion—it reflected the government’s genuine concern for its citizens overseas. His warm approach and direct interaction with the diaspora underscored a broader commitment to unity and inclusion, reinforcing the message that every Indonesian, no matter where they live, remains an integral part of the nation. (BPMI SETPRES) (AP/TM)