Open house at the Palace: Citizens moved and delighted to meet the President

The central courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta was filled with smiles and emotion on Saturday, as President Prabowo Subianto held an open house or Eid al-Fitr reception for 1447 Hijriah. For the thousands of citizens who attended, the moment was not merely an Eid reunion, but a rare experience that would linger for a lifetime. From the morning, people from various backgrounds had crowded the palace area. Reza, one of the citizens, said he had long awaited the moment and that his desire to attend was inspired by previous years’ receptions. “I looked at the previous years when the State Palace always opened an open house. So, this year I tried to join the palace open house,” said Reza. In another corner, happiness shone from Nina, who accompanied her younger sibling Samuel, a person with a disability. They came with a simple hope: to meet Prabowo directly. “I’m so happy, indeed the intention was to come here for Eid, especially my sibling whom I represent, who has a disability. We were all very happy earlier riding that vehicle, the busway, with one goal to come and meet the best Mr President Prabowo Subianto,” said Nina. Cheerfulness was also evident from Ayu, a child who came with both parents. She expressed her happiness at being able to meet, shake hands, and even receive a toy gift from President Prabowo. “So happy, delighted. So happy to meet and get a toy,” said Ayu. Similar happiness was felt by Thalia and Marco, who had long awaited this moment. The two also conveyed hopes and prayers for President Prabowo. “Of course, so happy, because we often see it on television and mobile phones. Now we can meet directly, it’s so exciting. Especially being able to shake hands directly with Mr Prabowo. May Mr Prabowo always be healthy and successful in advancing Indonesia,” said Thalia. This year’s Eid al-Fitr open house at the Presidential Palace was not only a venue for reunion but also provided a warm space for meetings between the leader and his people.