Students Welcome PM Albanese at National Monument

(Photo by: BPMI Presidential Secretariat)

Over 3,000 students from various schools across Jakarta gathered at the National Monument on Thursday (05/15) to welcome Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was on an official visit to the Merdeka Palace.

As PM Albanese’s motorcade passed, the students enthusiastically shouted, “Welcome to Indonesia!”—a gesture symbolizing the hopeful future of Indonesia-Australia relations. For some students, it was their first time welcoming a foreign leader in person.

Areta, a student of Junior High Public School 1 Jakarta, expressed excitement about the ceremonial welcome.

“What impressed me most was when the military arrived on horseback, it felt like they were welcoming us too. We became more excited because of that,” she said.

In addition, Areta expressed gratitude to President Prabowo for giving students the opportunity to participate in such a significant event.

“My friends and I hope we will have the chance to participate in events like this again,” she added.

Meanwhile, Talita, a student of Senior High Public School 68 Jakarta, stated that her most memorable moment was seeing PM Albanese up close.

“The welcome with the horses made everything feel even more special,” Talita remarked. (BPMI Presidential Secretariat) (GWH/LW)