Warm Idul Adha celebration for Indonesian diaspora in Paris with President Prabowo Subianto

The atmosphere of the 1447 Hijriah Idul Adha celebration at the Indonesian Embassy in Paris, France, on Wednesday local time was distinct for Indonesian citizens (WNIs) and the diaspora due to President Prabowo Subianto’s presence. President Prabowo’s attendance at the congregational Idul Adha prayer added warmth and pride for Indonesians living abroad. For some WNIs in Paris, the opportunity to perform the Id prayer abroad while meeting the Head of State brought unique joy. This sentiment was shared by four International Relations students from Brawijaya University—Zeahita, Yuri, Kezia, and Sindhu—who were in France for academic activities. ‘It’s very special, especially being in France and coincidentally meeting the President. It’s an honour,’ said Zeahita, according to a statement received on Wednesday. Kezia admitted she never expected their trip to France to coincide with the Idul Adha prayer with President Prabowo. Initially, they went to Lyon for a conference and Model United Nations competition before stopping in Paris. ‘We never thought we’d pray here; we had planned to go to Lyon for the conference and MUN competition. But since we were passing through Paris, we decided to pray here, and we’re so happy to meet fellow Indonesians and, of course, the President,’ she said. For Sindhu, the moment also eased her longing for Indonesia. Despite being in France for only two weeks, she said the Idul Adha atmosphere with fellow WNIs made her feel closer to home. ‘Alhamdulillah, so happy. We miss Indonesia so much, even after just two weeks in France,’ Sindhu said. For Yuri, the Idul Adha prayer at the Indonesian Embassy was a joyous experience for meeting presidential staff and several ministers present. ‘It’s quite enjoyable for all of us to pray here and meet the presidential team and some ministers,’ he said. Not only students, but also Jakarta native Myrna Damayanti, a business traveller in Paris, shared similar experiences. For Myrna, the Idul Adha prayer in Paris felt unique yet peaceful. ‘It feels peaceful here. Among the beautiful and historic buildings, we can pray Id and hear the takbir. It’s so delightful,’ she said. Myrna also said President Prabowo’s presence was a surprise. She had only heard from friends that the President would be praying at the same location. ‘My friends joked, “Oh Myrna, are you going to meet President Prabowo?” Suddenly I could enter. Alhamdulillah, truly unexpected,’ she said. During the Idul Adha event, Myrna expressed hopes for Indonesia and its people to receive blessings and strength to face global challenges. ‘This Idul Adha, I hope for myself, my company, and our nation to always be blessed and granted God’s mercy,’ she said. Attendees also sang national songs together, further strengthening the sense of togetherness and warmth among the diaspora abroad. For Indonesians in Paris, this Idul Adha was not just a religious observance but also a gathering that reinforced unity while abroad. President Prabowo’s presence served as a reminder that Indonesians, wherever they are, remain part of the nation’s extended family.