President Prabowo Welcomed by Indonesian Students in Vladivostok
President Prabowo Subianto was welcomed by Indonesian students upon his arrival in Vladivostok, Russia, on Wednesday local time, ahead of his attendance as the primary guest of honour at the 11th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
“I felt quite nervous, a mix of excitement and anxiety, because this was my first time being able to meet him and given the opportunity to shake his hand. It was very memorable for me,” said Andini Yuliasari, an Indonesian student in Vladivostok.
According to a statement from the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta on Wednesday, a number of Indonesian students carried the Merah Putih (the Indonesian national flag) and enthusiastically welcomed the arrival of the Head of State.
Andini, who has been studying in Vladivostok for four years, admitted to feeling nervous yet happy to meet President Prabowo in person. According to Andini, President Prabowo’s presence in Vladivostok is a source of pride for the Indonesian people. She expressed hope that the President’s participation in the 11th EEF would further strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and Russia.
“I hope that you remain healthy, and I also hope that you can make Indonesia even better in the future,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kiki Rizki Agustiani, a postgraduate psychology student, expressed her enthusiasm at being able to personally welcome President Prabowo. Kiki, who has lived in Vladivostok for three years, noted that Prabowo’s arrival was her first experience seeing an Indonesian President in the city.
“Honestly, I am very happy because this is a first-time experience for me. I am here in Vladivostok, Russia, and for the President, this is the first time visiting in a long time, which is Mr Prabowo,” said Kiki.
“Keep up the spirit, Sir. I always think positively of you. I am proud to have a President like Mr Prabowo,” she added.
The brief encounter left a profound impression on the students. Thousands of kilometres away from their homeland, the waving of the Merah Putih and the greetings from Indonesian youths in Vladivostok served as a reminder that, regardless of location, pride and love for Indonesia remain a unifying force.