Indonesian Diaspora Greets President Prabowo in Islamabad with Angklung Melodies
A number of Indonesian diaspora members perform patriotic songs with angklung to welcome the Head of State upon his arrival at his hotel in Pakistan on Monday (12/08). (Photo by: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)
The welcoming ceremony for President Prabowo Subianto in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Monday (12/08), was marked not only by high honors from the Pakistani government but also by the great enthusiasm of the Indonesian community. A number of Indonesian diaspora members performed patriotic songs with angklung to welcome the Head of State upon his arrival at his hotel.
Tamara, one of the Indonesian diaspora members performing in the angklung ensemble fostered by the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad, mentioned that preparations for the performance were made within a very short timeframe. However, this did not dampen their enthusiasm to bring honor to the nation on this historic occasion.
“It was incredibly exciting. We rehearsed for less than ten days because everyone was so motivated. Most importantly, all the ladies involved in the performance were fully enthusiastic,” she said with a glowing expression. According to her, the patriotic songs they performed helped foster a sense of love for the homeland among the Indonesian diaspora community living far from Indonesia.
This angklung ensemble is no stranger to diplomatic forums. They have promoted Indonesian culture in Pakistan on several occasions, ranging from diplomatic receptions commemorating the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-Pakistan bilateral relations to the Indonesian Expo at a shopping center in Islamabad.
“Alhamdulillah, we always get warm reception from everyone,” said Tamara, recounting the positive reactions from both local residents and international guests whenever they play the angklung for the public.
The welcoming moment for President Prabowo became a special and unforgettable experience for them. Tamara admitted she was deeply moved to see the President enjoying their performance. “He even joined our performance by humming along. We were truly happy to see him come over and approach all of us,” she shared.
Concluding her remarks, Tamara conveyed a simple yet profound message for the Head of State. “May you always be healthy and spirited, Mr. President, because we are all full of spirit.”
The presence of the Indonesian community in this welcoming event served as a symbol of the strong bond between the nation and its overseas citizens. It also highlighted the active role of the diaspora in strengthening the Indonesia-Pakistan friendship, which has now entered its 75th year. (BPMI SETPRES) (AP/TM)
