Emotional Residents Enter the Presidential Palace for the First Time
A warm and emotional atmosphere prevailed at the open house or Lebaran griya exhibition event at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Saturday. For some residents, this moment was more than just a social gathering; it was a rare, lifelong experience. Dewi (49), a resident of Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) in Jakarta, was one of those who experienced it directly. She said she arrived early in the morning to attend the event and hoped to meet President Prabowo Subianto. “I heard about it from a friend, so I hitched a ride with relatives. From the start, I really wanted to meet the President, just to wish him a happy Idul Fitri,” Dewi said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Saturday. Accompanied by about 10 family members, Dewi set off at 06:00 WIB on a motorcycle. Despite having to queue for hours in the heat and crowds, her enthusiasm did not wane. This was Dewi’s first visit to the Presidential Palace. She admitted she could not hold back her tears when she finally entered the area that she had only seen from the outside before. “When we entered, I almost cried. I’m so grateful that an ordinary person like me could enter the Palace. It’s clean, neat, and it feels extraordinary,” she revealed. In addition to the atmosphere, Dewi also appreciated the facilities provided by the organisers, including typical Lebaran foods that she found delicious and satisfying. Dewi’s greatest hope that day was to meet the President in person. For her, that moment held special meaning as an expression of her love for the homeland. “In my life, I wanted to (meet the President). I love the homeland, the Indonesian state, and Mr President,” she said. Behind that experience, Dewi also expressed her hopes for the future government. She hoped Indonesia would remain safe and the economy would continue to improve. “I really hope Indonesia stays safe with an economy that keeps running well, positively, and that everything can be overcome. I pray for his success. Indonesia succeeds, with a good economy,” Dewi stated.