Nias high school student Yemisa Zebua confides to Prabowo of her ambition to become a doctor

Jakarta – A high school student from Nias district in North Sumatra, Yemisa Zebua, seized the opportunity during a video conference meeting with President Prabowo Subianto to share her aspirations to pursue medical studies and become a doctor.

During the inauguration ceremony of 218 bridges conducted simultaneously across various regions of Indonesia on Monday, President Prabowo recognised Yemisa, whose face had become widely shared on social media, particularly after the Year 12 student expressed gratitude to the President because the bridges constructed by the government have facilitated school access for children in Nias.

“Thank you for the assistance, Mr President. Now we no longer have to remove our shoes when going to school,” Yemisa said to President Prabowo during the video conference held in Jakarta on Monday.

After receiving her gratitude, President Prabowo inquired about Yemisa’s plans following her high school graduation. Yemisa responded that she wishes to pursue medical studies, but her parents are unable to finance her education.

“God willing, you must study hard, maintain good grades, and no dating yet! You want to study, is that right?” said President Prabowo to Yemisa.

During the interaction, Prabowo praised Yemisa’s courage for directly reporting her life difficulties to the President. “Regional military commander, please note her name, because she has the courage and leadership to report directly to me. Yemisa Zebua—make sure you record all her friends’ names as well,” said President Prabowo to Yemisa.

“Yemisa, you are truly brave shouting out to the President, but precisely because you spoke up, I heard you directly. You have talent to become a leader,” President Prabowo added.

Finally, President Prabowo urged Yemisa and other students in Nias to study diligently. “Thank you, thank you. Study properly, yes,” said President Prabowo to Yemisa and the other students from Nias.