Rekindled Hope: President Prabowo Subianto Celebrates Eid with Aceh Tamiang Residents

President Prabowo Subianto visits the residents of Aceh Tamiang regency, Aceh province on Saturday (03/21)

The atmosphere of Eid-al-Fitr in Aceh Tamiang regency, Aceh province, this year felt different. Amidst the lingering traces of disaster, residents sought to recover despite the limited resources. Grief remained palpable, but hope slowly returned, especially with the presence of President Prabowo Subianto, who joined the community in Eid prayer.

The takbir echoed through the air on Saturday morning (03/21) at the Darussalam Mosque situated within the temporary housing area. As worshippers gathered in growing numbers, President Prabowo was present, standing parallel with the community, with no visible barriers.

For many, President Prabowo’s presence held profound meaning. Mrs. Ami, a resident of Upah village, shared that the Head of State’s visit to this Eid al-Fitr celebration helped soothe the sorrow caused by the recent disaster.

“Alhamdulillah, we were happy to have the President [that always] visit us. Alhamdulillah, it showed the President cared about the people of Aceh Tamiang,” she said.

Despite the sadness, Mrs. Ami viewed the ordeal as a reminder to draw closer to God. She hoped this disaster would be a turning point for the region’s revival.

Similarly, Mrs. Ades from Simpang Empat village described this year’s Eid as a blend of sadness and joy. Sadness for the disaster, yet joy for the togetherness and renewed spirit within the community.

“We, the people, were enthusiastic when we heard the President would come here. Alhamdulillah, we felt happy and glad because we did not feel abandoned. We felt appreciated and inspired to rise again, even though we were down, we were able to rise again,” she said.

According to her, the President’s presence provided a morale boost, inspiring them to rise from their slump. She saw a new sense of optimism beginning to grow within the community to stand up and move forward.

“The President’s presence kept us optimistic that we can move forward, rise again, and stand on our own feet,” she added.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Rusnida was overcome with emotion, unable to hold back tears as she recounted her experience. For her, the President’s visit was something she had never imagined.

“We are so happy that the President is here. We really are. We have never had a president visit us before, and now, in the wake of disaster, the president has come here,” she said softly.

Behind her emotion lies a simple yet profound hope for a better future, especially for the younger generation. “[I hope] things get better, so the youth can find jobs,” she said.

The President’s presence among the people recovering from the disaster was not merely a ceremonial visit, but a symbol that the state is present and has not abandoned its people. Amidst hardship, this Eid al-Fitr moment serves as a morale booster, demonstrating that from grief, there is a new hope for a better future. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (NST/MMB)