Prabowo Greets School Students and Residents in Sleman

Hundreds of primary and junior high school students welcomed the arrival of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who visited Prambanan Temple alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (8/7).

Clad in traditional Javanese attire, the students had gathered around the Adisutjipto Air Force Base complex in Sleman, DIY, near the VVIP exit route, since 10:00 WIB. Despite the intense heat, the students’ enthusiasm remained undiminionted.

At approximately 11:30 WIB, President Prabowo’s convoy passed through the area. The Head of State stood through the car’s sunroof to greet the students and other residents. The students enthusiastically called out ‘Pak Prabowo’ while waving Indonesian and Indian flags.

Following the greeting, Prabowo was scheduled to visit the Prambanan Temple area with Modi to officially inaugurate a reservation project. Prime Minister Modi’s vehicle preceded President Prabowo’s car in the convoy.

The Head of the Sleman Education Office, Mustadi, noted that while students were deployed, participation in welcoming the President and Prime Minister was not mandatory.

“It was not mandatory, but following the circular, school principals were able to organise the children because of the state visit involving the President and the Prime Minister of India. And thankfully, the response was positive,” Mustadi said at the location.

He stated that there had been no complaints from students or parents, noting that the welcoming coincided with the school holiday period. “Perhaps they realise that since the President is visiting, we as citizens [should participate],” he added.

Mustadi also denied rumours circulating that students participating in the welcome ceremony had received monetary incentives. “There were none, none,” he clarified.

A second group of approximately 500 students is also planned to welcome or see off President Prabowo’s return at Adisutjipto Airport.