Students Welcome President of Germany with Bright Smiles

Scores of students welcome the arrival of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier during his state visit to Indonesia, on Monday (6/15).

A festive and enthusiastic atmosphere filled the Merdeka Palace courtyard, Jakarta, when scores of students welcomed the arrival of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, during his state visit to Indonesia, on Monday (6/15). The students lined up neatly while carrying Indonesian and German Flags. Smiles beamed across the students’ faces as President Steinmeier’s convoy entered the palace grounds.

The arrival of President Steinmeier was welcomed by a solemn and grand state reception. As many as 17 Honda Goldwing motorcycle officers and 120 horse cavalry escorted President Steinmeier’s convoy crossing the National Monument (Monas) area before entering the main gate of Merdeka Palace.

For the students, this occasion was an unforgettable experience. For many of them, it was their first time visiting the Presidential Palace. Atqa, a student of state elementary school SDN Gambir 01 Pagi, expressed his happiness to see in person the welcoming ceremony of the Head of State of a friendly country.

“I am very happy, and this is also a special day for me because I am invited to the Palace to welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Germany. My heart filled with happiness. Super happy. The atmosphere is different. It is very grand and festive. Also, when the President of the Federal Republic of Germany arrived, he said hi to us,” said Atqa enthusiastically.

A similar impression was also felt by Boy, a student of state elementary school SDN Gambir 01 Pagi, who said that it had been his long-awaited dream to visit the Presidential Palace. Boy stated that his dream of entering the palace had finally come true.

“My heart bursts with happiness. Because this is my first time visiting the palace, and to see President Prabowo after becoming President. This is my first time, and it feels surreal because I’ve been a fan of President Prabowo for a long time,” he said.

Amongst several welcoming attractions, Boy said he was most impressed by the performance of the guard team. Meanwhile, Atqa said the most impressive moment was when President Steinmeier waved his hand from inside the car.

“The most impressive moment, in my opinion, was when the President of the Federal Republic of Germany entered the Palace, and I waved the flag. I felt very happy at that moment. When the car window was open, everyone roared. From the car window, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany waved to us,” he said.

The same enthusiasm was also felt by Feli, Misha, and April from state elementary school SDN Petojo Selatan 06. The chance to see President Prabowo and President Steinmeier has become an impressive experience for them.

“When President Steinmeier arrived, we waved our flags, and it was really fun. I am really happy since it is my first time, I am happy to see the President in person,” they said.

They also expressed their gratitude for the chance given to them. “Thank you for inviting our elementary school and other elementary schools. We are very happy, because as our teacher said, not everyone can get into the palace. Thank you for inviting us, President Prabowo,” they said.

Behind the solemn state ceremony, smiles and waves of flags from the students become the symbol of warm friendship between countries. For these students, the state visit of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is not only a previous experience, but also a rare opportunity to learn more about diplomacy and see in person the face of open and friendly Indonesia. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of the Presidential Secretariat) (TCUD/MMB)