Primary School Pupils in Kupang Arrive at 6 AM to Greet Gibran Despite Holiday

A number of pupils at SD Inpres Kaniti in Penfui Timur Village, Central Kupang District, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), rejoiced during the visit of Vice President (Wapres) Gibran Rakabuming Raka on Monday (6/4/2026). Despite it being a holiday, the pupils’ enthusiasm was uncontainable. They flocked together and nearly climbed the school fence wall when Gibran arrived around 12.47 WITA.

One of the main agendas of the visit was to review the progress of the construction and renovation of the SD Inpres Kaniti building as a follow-up to the government’s attention to the condition of educational facilities in the area.

SD Inpres Kaniti was also visited by Gibran in 2025. Upon arrival, the pupils immediately shouted and cheered. Gibran was accompanied by NTT Governor Melkiades Laka Lena, NTT Police Chief Irjen Rudi Darmoko, Kupang Regent Yosef Lede, and several other officials.

Kupang Police Chief AKBP Rudy Junus Jacob Ledo appeared busy with his personnel, including TNI members, to manage the pupils so they remained orderly in their lines.

A number of TNI soldiers, Polri personnel, and Presidential Security Forces (Paspampres) were on standby at the location since the morning. Local residents also continued to arrive at the site. In addition to the visit to SD Inpres Kaniti, Gibran was also reported to attend a rice harvest in Mata Air Village, Central Kupang District.

One sixth-grade pupil at SD Inpres Kaniti, Josua Io (11), admitted that he and his friends had been at the school since 06.00 WITA to welcome Gibran.

“We many who came since 6 AM. Today is still a holiday, but we still came to welcome Mr Gibran,” said the 11-year-old pupil when met at his school on Monday.

Josua hoped that the visit would serve as motivation for every pupil to continue studying. In addition, he hoped to receive assistance such as shoes, bags, and school uniforms.

“Hopefully we get shoes, bags, and school uniforms,” Josua said.