Story from Monas, Students, People Enthusiastically Welcome Premier Li Qiang

People gather to welcome the arrival of the Premier of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Li Qiang, at the National Monument (Monas) area, Jakarta, Sunday morning (5/25). (Photo by: BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat)

A lively and enthusiastic ambiance pervaded the National Monument (Monas) compound on Sunday morning (5/25), as people gathered to welcome the Premier of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Li Qiang, on his official visit to Indonesia.

Even before the PRC Premier’s convoy arrived at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, excitement and warm ambiance were strongly felt, with the guard of honor on standby and thousands of students lining up and waving the flags of Indonesia and PRC.

One of them is Milani, a student from Public Junior High School 60 Jakarta. She and her schoolmates had already gathered at their school since dawn before heading to Monas together.

“Around half past 6, we went from school to here (Monas) by Transjakarta (a public bus service),” said Milani.

Public Senior High School 30 Jakarta students also felt the excitement when the horse cavalry passed in front of them. For them, it was the most memorable moment which served not only as protocol, but also as an opportunity to show Indonesia’s hospitality to the state guest.

“The welcoming of the state guest is very festive, serving as a gesture of warm welcome from the Indonesians,” said a representative from Public Senior High School 30 Jakarta.

The excitement was not only shared by the students, but a number of residents who were doing their morning activities around Monas also joined in witnessing this historic moment. Many of them were capturing the welcoming ceremony with their mobile phones. Ms. Viko from Banjarmasin, who was visiting Jakarta, said that she did not expect to witness first-hand the welcoming ceremony of the foreign state leader.

“I’m so happy to witness this, it makes my visit to Jakarta even better. Especially since this kind of event rarely happens in the regions,” she said.

At this moment, Ms. Viko expressed her hopes for a more developed and advanced Indonesia in the future. Premier Li Qiang’s welcoming ceremony was not merely part of state protocol, but also served as an opportunity for warm interaction between people and their leaders. (BPMI Setpres) (TCUD/TM)