President Prabowo Subianto arrives in Doha and welcomed enthusiastically by Indonesian citizens in Qatar (4/12). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto’s arrival in Doha, Qatar on Saturday evening (4/12) was welcomed enthusiastically by Indonesian citizens living in the Gulf country. A number of representatives of diaspora, students, and sports community welcomed President Prabowo who was carrying out a series of working visits in the Middle East.
The chief of Indonesian Citizens Community (PERMIQA) in Qatar, Syahrial Wasadjur, expressed his pride for shaking hands in person with President Prabowo.
“It was just a normal thing when he entered the lobby, but when he shook hands with all people, I feel like that was a special moment for me to have a chance to shake hands with the highest leader in Indonesia,” Syahrial said.
He also prayed that President Prabowo would always be healthy. He expressed hope that President Prabowo’s visit can strengthen the relations between Indonesia and Qatar, especially ahead of the commemoration of 50 years anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026.
“I hope that Mr. President will always be healthy and his coming to Qatar will bring positive impact for the relations between Indonesian and Qatar,” he said.
The Indonesian Football Association in Qatar (IFQ) also showed a warm welcome to the President. Chief of the IFQ, Vidi Viciyandrie, expressed his pride to be able to meet with the President in person.
“We are very excited. As citizens, we welcome the President enthusiastically. We hope that he is always healthy,” Vidi said.
He expressed hope that the President’s presence also brings spirit and support for the national football, especially for the U-17 World Cup that will be held in Qatar in the upcoming November.
“I hope that during Pak Prabowo’s leadership, the Indonesian football will be better. This November, the U-17 World Cup will be held in Qatar and Indonesia is qualified for this match. So, we are waiting for the Government’s support,” he said.
Meanwhile, the same enthusiasm also bubbled over Indonesian students in Qatar. Najla, one of the students, along with her two friends, Rifky and Amalia, also welcomed President Prabowo at the hotel. They said that this experience was an unforgettable moment that never came twice.
“It could be our one-time experience in life,” she said.
They expressed hope that the President’s visit can boost the spirit of Indonesian citizens in Qatar. “Hopefully, the President’s presence in Qatar can motivate us, the students in Qatar, to stay excel and make Indonesia proud of us,” Rifky said.
For the record, the President’s visit to Qatar was part of a series of working visit to a number of countries in the Middle East region, in an attempt to reinforce bilateral cooperation and Indonesia’s diplomatic role in global arena. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MMB)
