Indonesian Diaspora in Paris Celebrate Eid al-Adha with President Prabowo

Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijri celebration at Wisma Indonesia in Paris, France, on Wednesday (05/27). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

Indonesian diaspora, Wednesday (05/27), celebrated Eid al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice) with President Prabowo Subianto at Wisma Indonesia in Paris, France.

Having the President join them for the Eid prayer brought a unique atmosphere for Indonesians living abroad. Four International Relations students from Universitas Brawijaya—Zeahita, Yuri, Kezia, and Sindhu—who are currently in France for academic purposes, shared their impressions.

“It is very special. We are in France, and we met the President. It’s such an honor,” Zeahita said.

Kezia mentioned that they traveled to France for a Model United Nations competition in Lyon, its third largest city, and also visited Paris.

“We never expected to pray Eid here because we were heading to Lyon for a conference or a Model United Nations competition. But since we stopped by Paris for a while, we decided to pray Eid here, and we are very happy to see so many Indonesians and also the President,” she said.

According to Sindhu, that moment became a cure for her longing for Indonesia. It was her second week in France, and celebrating Eid al-Adha with fellow Indonesians made her feel closer to home.

“Alhamdulillah, I am very happy. Of course, we really miss Indonesia although we’ve only spent two weeks in France,” she said.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Yuri said that performing the Eid al-Adha prayer at Wisma Indonesia was a pleasant experience.

“I am quite happy, and it feels quite exciting for all of us to pray here and to meet the presidential officials and several ministers,” she said.

Other Indonesians also shared similar experiences. To Myrna Damayanti, who came from Jakarta for a business trip in the French capital, the atmosphere of the Eid al-Adha prayer felt different.

“It feels peaceful. We were able to pray Eid and listen to the takbir among very beautiful and historical buildings. I am overjoyed,” she said, adding that the President’s presence was an unexpected surprise.

“My friends jokingly asked me, ‘Oh, you’re celebrating with Mr. Prabowo?’ but then I was allowed to enter. Alhamdulillah. I truly did not expect it,” she said.

Myrna also expressed hope that God grants blessings and strength to Indonesia and its people to face global challenges.

“This Eid al-Adha, I hope that I, my company, and our country are always blessed with His grace,” she said.

On that occasion, the attendees also sang several national songs together, fostering a sense of unity in a distant land. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/MMB)