Bringing Child to Prabowo's Halalbihalal, Mother from Cibitung: My Child Wants to See the Palace

JAKARTA - Queues of residents wishing to join the halalbihalal with President Prabowo Subianto still stretched for 10 metres at 2:00 PM Western Indonesia Time in front of the Majapahit gate, Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Saturday (21/03/2026). Residents were still waiting for their turn to enter for silaturahmi while receiving Lebaran gifts prepared by the palace side. “I’m accompanying my child. My child really wants to see the Palace. Since I’ve never entered either, I obliged,” said Widya (36), one of the residents queuing with her son, Rafif (8), when approached by Kompas.com at the location. This Idul Fitri moment was considered a rare opportunity by her to set foot in the official residence of the head of state. The opportunity to enter the Presidential Palace indeed became the main attraction for residents like Widya. According to her, on ordinary days, access for the general public is very limited. “On normal days, residents aren’t allowed to enter, right? Well, since there’s this halalbihalal opportunity,” she said. Widya departed from her home in Cibitung at 11:00 AM after completing the Idul Fitri prayer and exchanging greetings with neighbours. As a single parent, Widya admitted to always trying to fulfil Rafif’s requests to create memorable childhood memories. In addition, this visit was also intended as an educational tool for her child. Besides wanting to see the palace architecture, Widya had a simple wish to take photos inside the presidential complex. However, her highest hope was to meet President Prabowo face-to-face. “This is my first time too, so while learning. Of course, later I’ll take photos of my child inside. And if possible, meeting Mr President, Alhamdulillah,” said Widya. Although the queue was still winding, Widya remained enthusiastic and prayed for the president’s health. She appreciated the palace’s policy of opening doors to ordinary residents during this festive moment. “If I can’t (meet him), that’s fine. May Mr President always be healthy. Thank you for holding the halalbihalal so that ordinary residents can enter the palace,” she said.