Warm Atmosphere at Halalbihalal in the Palace, Citizens to Former Presidents Attend
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Prabowo of the Republic of Indonesia held a halalbihalal at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Saturday (21/3/2026), during the Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah/2026 CE festivities.
Similar to previous years, the halalbihalal organised by Prabowo was not limited to officials alone.
The general public who wished to attend were also permitted to enter the Palace from midday until late afternoon.
A warm atmosphere prevailed in this moment of togetherness.
Although the event only began in the afternoon, many citizens had already queued since morning to join the halalbihalal with President Prabowo.
The queue in front of the Majapahit Gate at the Palace complex even snaked up to around 60 metres.
Kompas.com observations showed citizens queuing under white-and-green tents while standing.
The citizens, who came from various areas in Jabodetabek, consisted of young people, mothers, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
According to statements from the citizens, many of them arrived directly after performing Eid prayers. The citizens also appeared to queue while jostling.
One citizen from Bogor, Hardi, claimed to have queued since 07.00 WIB after completing his Eid prayer at Istiqlal Mosque.
However, the 30-year-old man was somewhat disappointed because the palace gate would only open at 13.00 WIB.
Another citizen, Septi, also said she came straight to the Palace and queued under the hot sun to attend the halalbihalal after Eid prayers.
“The info was that there would be staple goods. That’s why I came here,” said Septi.
Septi claimed to have received information about the halalbihalal from her friends during tarawih prayers at Istiqlal Mosque.
The Palace prepared various traditional Nusantara dishes as a luncheon for the attending public at the halalbihalal.
The halalbihalal with the public was held in a tent in the central courtyard of the Palace complex.
Citizens appeared to enjoy the provided meals, including siomay, bakso, chicken opor and ketupat, empal gentong, satay, es teler, es campur, and various other market snacks.