Prabowo greets hundreds of West Java students at the Presidential Palace

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto greeted hundreds of students who are members of the West Java Student Council Forum (FOJB) during their visit to the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Tuesday, as part of the Palace for School Children programme.

Quoting a press release from the Press, Media, and Information Bureau (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on Tuesday, the event, which aims to provide national experience and a deep understanding of the government system to the younger generation, began with an orientation session in the Hoegeng Hall led by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

President Prabowo provided a surprise by arriving at Merdeka Palace. The President’s arrival was greeted with enthusiastic applause and a welcome song from the students.

President Prabowo then greeted, shook hands with the students, and took photos together with the FOJB student members.

Before the President met the West Java students, Cabinet Secretary Teddy, who received a phone call from President Prabowo, handed the phone to one student from SMA Negeri 2 Sukatani.

The student named Oryza had the rare opportunity to chat directly with the Head of State via phone.

Oryza recounted that President Prabowo asked about the schedule of their visit to Merdeka Palace while making a joke.

“We just chatted with Mr President, asking what time we were going to Merdeka Palace? Then he joked, don’t take too long, because I’m going there,” said Oryza.

The General Chair of the West Java Student Council Forum, Salsabila Nuria Muharam, admitted to being impressed by the motivation given by Cabinet Secretary Teddy, especially regarding courage in achieving future goals.

“Mr Teddy also mentioned earlier that life is only once, so make it more meaningful, don’t waste opportunities, that’s what I heard from Mr Teddy,” said Salsabila.

In that interactive atmosphere, the students were encouraged to understand the government structure while daring to contribute to the nation by utilising every opportunity in life.

After the orientation, the participants toured the palace complex, visiting Merdeka Palace, the President’s Office, and the State Palace to see firsthand the locations of important national decision-making.