President Prabowo Welcomed by Indonesian Diaspora with Warm Enthusiasm in Ottawa

President Prabowo Subianto arrives at a hotel in Ottawa and is greeted by the Indonesian diaspora in Canada on Wednesday (9/24). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

As President Prabowo Subianto, Wednesday (9/24), arrived at a hotel in Ottawa, Canada, the atmosphere there was filled with emotions and enthusiasm expressed by dozens of Indonesian diaspora who had traveled for hours from various cities to welcome President Prabowo on his first official visit to the land of the maple leaf.

The Indonesian flag “Merah-Putih” (red and white) fluttered in the hands of the diaspora and their faces were wreathed in smiles as President Prabowo’s motorcade arrived. Many diaspora shared the feeling that this moment was not only about welcoming the Head of State, but also relieving their homesickness.

Maria, one of the diaspora from Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, who has lived in Canada for 30 years, admitted to having traveled a long way to get on the site. “It took me six hours from where I live to get here. We are very proud that Pak Prabowo can visit and see the Indonesian diaspora here,” she said enthusiastically.

Many of them didn’t just come to welcome the President. They also offered prayers and hopes for him. Gita, one of the diaspora present on the site, expressed great optimism for Prabowo’s tenure.

“I’m so happy. I have high expectations for Mr. President. With this new term of office in Indonesia, we all hope that he can improve the lives of Indonesians, both in Indonesia and abroad,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nonali Wau, who has lived in Canada for 22 years, even made the effort to travel from Montreal early in the morning with her colleagues. Nonali’s beaming face was even more evident when she managed to shake hands and take a photo with the President.

“We were happy to meet Mr. President. We shook hands, we met,” she said, expressing her happiness.

The warm welcome from the diaspora in Ottawa symbolizes the strong bond between the President and his people, wherever they are. Their enthusiasm and prayers become a booster for President Prabowo to carry out his state duties on the international stage. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/TM)