Prabowo Arrives in Paris for Bastille Day Commemoration, greeted by Excited Diaspora
Paris, France – Indonesian Minister of Defense Prabowo subianto has arrived in Paris, France, to attend the French National Day, Bastille Day, as an honorary guest. His presence in the French capital marks a meaningful diplomatic engagement, with his visit scheduled for today. Prabowo was accompanied on his flight from Brussels by Minister of Investment and Downstream/Head of BKPM Rosan Roeslani and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
Upon his arrival at his hotel, Prabowo was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception from the Indonesian diaspora residing in Paris.Young members of the diaspora, dressed in conventional attire from various Indonesian regions, presented Prabowo with bouquets of flowers, symbolizing the honor and pride they felt at his presence.Prabowo reciprocated the warm welcome by waving and greeting the gathered residents, holding small red and white Indonesian flags.
Nini Martini, an Indonesian who has lived in Paris for nearly five decades, expressed her deep emotion at Prabowo’s visit. She highlighted the significance of his invitation to Bastille Day, noting it as a rare and prestigious honor bestowed by the French state. “We are grateful that you can get the greatest invitation.For me the moast (great), from the French state. In Bastille Day, tomorrow. That’s rarely,” Martini was quoted as saying by the Presidential Secretariat Bureau.
Jefri Simanjuntak, another member of the diaspora who has resided in France for ten years, shared his pride in being able to shake hands directly with Prabowo.He was notably moved when Prabowo greeted him with the Batak greeting “Horas.” “I am very proud because the first thing Pak Prabowo did promptly answered me with the word Horas. So I am a Batak person, I am very proud and appreciated,” Simanjuntak stated.
simanjuntak also expressed his hope that Prabowo’s visit to france would foster stronger bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and France. He believes that France holds significant potential as a partner in Indonesia’s development. The welcoming atmosphere, characterized by warmth and familiarity, was seen as a testament to the unity and patriotism of Indonesian citizens living abroad, particularly in France.