Indonesians diaspora welcomed Prabowo in Paris

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Hundreds of Indonesian diaspora welcomed President Prabowo Subianto to Paris, on Tuesday (May 26), showing their enthusiasm and pride of Indonesian citizens abroad for the head of state's visit.

"I am very grateful that he took the time to meet with Indonesians here. Even just shaking hands with him, I feel truly honored," Ruth, a Blitar native who has lived in France for 23 years, said as quoted in a press release issued by the Presidential Secretariat’s BPMI on Wednesday.

Similar enthusiasm was also expressed by Indonesian students in France. Reval, together with Evelyn and Syeril, expressed their pride at having an opportunity to meet President Prabowo in person.

"I am proud and happy to be able to meet the president in person. Moreover, being a student in France is an opportunity that might not everyone has," Reval stated.

On that occasion, President Prabowo had a brief chat with the students, asking their fields of study and level of education, while also encouraging them to continue studying diligently.

"Of course, thank you, Mr. President, for taking the time to discuss with us, even though we are just students. It's not an approach we get every day. We are proud and certainly happy to be able to discuss with the President," Evelyn remarked.

The Indonesian students noted that strong relationship between Indonesia and France has brought tangible benefits, particularly for Indonesian students in France.

"Thank you, Mr. President, for building such a strong relationship with France. As students, we truly feel the benefits here and we hope that in the future we can share Indonesian culture with the world," Syeril noted.

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The meeting between Prabowo and the Indonesian diaspora in Paris reinforced emotional ties to the homeland and reaffirmed that Indonesians abroad remain an integral part of the nation.

Upon first meeting with President Prabowo at a hotel in Paris, Ruth admitted she was overcome with emotion.

"Bienvenue, Mr. President Prabowo Subianto," Ruth greeted the president.