President Prabowo Receives Warm Welcome from Indonesian Diaspora Ahead of UN Speech

President Prabowo receives a warm welcome from the Indonesian diaspora at the hotel where he is staying in New York, USA, on Saturday (09/20). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto, Saturday (09/20), received a warm welcome from the Indonesian diaspora at the hotel where he is staying during his working visit to New York, the United States, to speak at the United Nations General Debate.

Many Indonesians gathered along the street as they waited for the arrival of the Head of State. Upon arrival, the President greeted and shook hands with the diaspora who responded with cheers and applause.

“Indonesia… Indonesia… Indonesia,” they chanted eagerly.

A particularly touching moment unfolded at the hotel entrance, where two young diaspora children, Hatta Sanof Kurniawan and Adriella Namarga Pandjaitan, dressed in traditional Indonesian attire, presented the President with a bouquet of flowers. President Prabowo received the gesture warmly, leaning down to kiss each child on the head in appreciation.

In addition to the diaspora, several officials also welcomed the President, including ministers of the Red and White Cabinet and Indonesian Ambassador-designate to the United States Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo.
For many members of the diaspora, the President’s visit was more than a ceremonial appearance; it was a moment of pride that reminded them of home. Glory Lamria, a student at Columbia University, expressed her excitement over the visit.

“First of all, I feel proud that our President, after nearly 10 years, is finally able to come to New York and represent the voices of Indonesians. Secondly, I hope this event becomes more than just a moment of participation but also a platform where the diaspora in the United States can share their aspirations,” she said.

Echoing a similar sentiment, Dimas, a student at New York University, expressed his pride in Indonesia’s representation on the global stage.
“I am proud, especially because I heard Indonesia will be the third speaker. We can speak in front of other major countries. As a student, I am proud of it,” he said.

Felice Nathania Pudya, another Columbia University student, also stated that having President Prabowo at the UN’s 80th General Debate brought great honor to Indonesia.

“We students are truly thankful for President Prabowo’s presence here in New York. We also look forward to his speech at the UN General Assembly Debate. We always support everything that can advance Indonesia,” she remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/TM)