President Prabowo Receives Warm Welcome from Indonesian Diaspora in Washington
Washington, D.C., The Gulf Observer: Prabowo Subianto was warmly welcomed by members of the Indonesian diaspora and students in Washington on Tuesday shortly after arriving in the United States capital for a series of official meetings.
Upon reaching the hotel where he is staying, President Prabowo was presented with a bouquet by a young girl dressed in traditional Indonesian attire. Dozens of Indonesians, including embassy staff and their families, gathered in the lobby and along the route to the elevators, greeting him with chants of “Welcome to Washington, Mr. President.”
Many in the crowd wore traditional regional costumes and batik shirts, showcasing Indonesia’s rich cultural diversity. Several attendees waved small red-and-white Indonesian flags as the president walked through the lobby.
Moving along the reception line, President Prabowo personally shook hands with members of the diaspora and repeatedly expressed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you, thank you.” He later approached several students once again to convey his gratitude for the warm reception and also greeted Indonesian military officers currently studying in the United States.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya accompanied the president, greeting members of the diaspora and exchanging pleasantries with community members and students.
Earlier in the day, President Prabowo arrived aboard a Garuda Indonesia PK-GIF aircraft, which landed at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County, Maryland, at approximately 12 p.m. local time. He was received at the base by Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Dwisuryo Indroyono Soesilo, Defense Attaché Air Marshal E. Wisoko Aribowo, and Col. Gary Charland, commander of the US Air Force VVIP/VIP Aircraft Maintenance Group at Joint Base Andrews.
President Prabowo was accompanied on the flight from Jakarta by Teddy Indra Wijaya and Bahlil Lahadalia. Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto and Foreign Minister Sugiono, who arrived earlier in the United States, are also part of the presidential delegation during the Washington visit.
During his stay, President Prabowo is scheduled to meet US business leaders on Wednesday, attend the inaugural Gaza Board of Peace summit on Thursday, and hold bilateral talks with US President Donald Trump. The discussions are expected to include plans to sign a reciprocal trade agreement currently under negotiation since 2025.
