President Prabowo Welcomed by Indonesian Diaspora in Russia

President Prabowo Subianto arrives at the hotel where he is staying in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday (06/18). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto Wednesday (06/18) was greeted by the Indonesian diaspora upon his arrival at the hotel in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he would be staying for a working visit to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries as part of a diplomatic mission.

The President received a warm welcome as he engaged with people along the road near the hotel and took selfies with them, fostering a friendly atmosphere.

Daniya Sabirova, a Russian who came with her husband Andre Septiyanto and their two children, said that she was happy to meet and converse directly with the President in Indonesian. “I still remember vividly all the words he said. I greeted him in Indonesian, and Mr. Prabowo noticed that I could speak Indonesian,” she said.

Daniya and Andre also expressed their hope that President Prabowo would visit St. Petersburg often.

“It is actually a very important moment, President Prabowo coming to Russia to meet with our President, and we hope that the relations between the two countries, Russia and Indonesia, will be stronger,” she said.

“My hope is that he visits St. Petersburg often. I also hope all of his activities can proceed successfully, and I hope that he will be happy to see the most beautiful city in Russia,” Andre said.

Nita, a Master’s student in agriculture from the Siborongborong district of North Tapanuli regency in North Sumatra province, also felt the warm atmosphere.

“I am very happy because I shook hands with the President, the number one person in Indonesia. I was asked where I came from, and I said Siborongborong, then he replied, ‘Horas mejuah-juah’,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ambar, a St. Petersburg resident from the city of Surakarta who has lived there for eight years with her husband and two children, did not want to miss this rare occasion, bringing both her children dressed in the traditional clothes of Java and Kalimantan.

“The President chatted with my children and asked my husband whether he spoke Indonesian,” she said.

In addition to the diaspora, the President was also welcomed by Ministers of the Red-and-White Cabinet who had arrived earlier in the second largest Russian city. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (DH/LW)