President Prabowo Receives Warm Welcome from Indonesian Diaspora in Paris

President Prabowo Subianto arrives in Paris on Sunday (07/13) evening to fulfill President Macron’s invitation as an honorary guest on Bastille Day. (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Paris on Sunday (07/13) evening to attend the Bastille Day celebration (07/14) as an honorary guest at the invitation of President Macron on. Upon arrival at the hotel, President Prabowo was warmly welcomed by dozens of members of Indonesian diaspora who had been waiting enthusiastically.

Dressed in Indonesian traditional attire, two Indonesian children stepped forward to present a flower bouquet to the President as a symbol of honor from the diaspora for the visit. Afterward, President Prabowo greeted the people that had gathered in the lobby hotel. Many of them waved the miniature version of the Indonesian flag.

A member of diaspora who has lived in Paris for almost five decades, Nini Martini, conveyed how she was moved by President Prabowo’s visit.

“We are grateful that Bapak has received the prestigious invitation. For me, the most [prestigious invitation] is from France for the Bastille Day tomorrow. That’s very rare, you know,” Nini said.

Jefri Simanjuntak, another member of diaspora who has stayed in France for ten years, shared how proud he felt for being able to shake President Prabowo’s hand.

“I feel truly honored that President Prabowo greeted me with ‘horas’ (hello in Batak language). As a Batak, I feel very proud and feel appreciated,” Jefri expressed.

Furthermore, he expressed hope that President Prabowo’s visit could strengthen the relations between the two nations.

“I hope Indonesia-France will build more bilateral cooperations. Because I think France also has the potential to be a country that supports Indonesia’s development,” he added.

The warm and intimate reception showed a profound meaning of togetherness and nationalism among the Indonesian diaspora abroad, specifically in France. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (KAT/RAS)