Students enthusiastically welcome the arrival of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron at the National Monument (05/28). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)
Cheers of thousands of students echoed throughout the National Monument compound, Wednesday morning (05/28), welcoming the arrival of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and spouse Brigitte Macron.
The students stood in a neat line and waved small Indonesian and French flags as the presidential motorcade passed in front of them.
President Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron waved back at them while lowering their vehicle’s windows, greeting the young Indonesians lining the street.
President Macron also gave several thumbs-up in response to the students’ enthusiasm.
“Welcome to Indonesia, Mr. President,” the students said.
Since dawn, students from various schools in Jakarta had gathered at their respective schools and then departed together for the National Monument. For them, this event served as not only an opportunity to see a foreign head of state up close but also a memorable experience.
“The experience is fun and exciting. I get the opportunity to meet with students from other schools,” said Rangga, a student from Jakarta’s State Vocational School 3.
The welcoming procession featuring 17 motorcyclists and 75 cavalry troops was an extraordinary sight for the students. Not only serving as a diplomatic moment, President Macron’s arrival also gave the students a sense of pride.
“So, the French President can learn the way we welcome state guests. He can also learn that in Indonesia there are horses like those ones. The students shared the same enthusiasm, as they had the opportunity to show the French President that Indonesia is good,” said Raisya who also comes from State Vocational School 3 Jakarta.
Similarly, Syifa and Putri, students of State Senior High School 30 Jakarta, expressed the opinion that this welcome served as a form of appreciation for a country’s leader visiting Indonesia, as they had observed a series of well-prepared welcoming processes.
“It’s really cool. I’m happy to see the horses and the motorcycle parades. We really appreciate the welcoming procession for them,” said Putri.
President Macron’s state visit had strengthened diplomatic relations between the two countries and left a great impression on Indonesia’s younger generation.
(BPMI) (EST/TM)
