Indonesian Diaspora in Australia Give President Prabowo a Hero’s Welcome in Sydney

A wave of excitement swept through Sydney on Tuesday night as President Prabowo Subianto was warmly received by members of the Indonesian community living in Australia. The gathering, held at his hotel in the city, turned into a display of patriotism and affection for the visiting leader.

Despite his late arrival around 10:30 p.m., dozens of Indonesian citizens, including students, professionals, and long-term residents, waited eagerly for hours to welcome him. The crowd waved Indonesian flags and sang the national anthem, Indonesia Raya, as the president made his way into the hotel lobby.

Two young children dressed in traditional Indonesian attire presented flowers to Prabowo, a symbolic gesture of respect and national pride. The president, smiling and visibly moved, greeted many of the attendees personally, shaking hands and exchanging brief words of appreciation.

He was accompanied by several top cabinet members, including the Coordinating Ministers for Political and Economic Affairs, the Investment Minister, and Indonesia’s Consul General in Sydney. The delegation is part of a broader mission to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Australia.

For many in attendance, the brief encounter with their president was deeply emotional. “He looked tired but still took time to greet everyone,” said Annie, an Indonesian resident in Sydney. “It shows he values the people, no matter where they are.”

Students like Urfan, a scholarship recipient at the University of New South Wales, viewed the visit as both inspiring and strategic. “It’s a reminder that our government recognizes the importance of Indonesians abroad,” he said. “We hope this trip leads to stronger educational and economic collaboration between both nations.”

Beyond diplomatic significance, the evening reflected a personal connection between a leader and his people far from home, a moment that reaffirmed unity, pride, and shared national identity among Indonesia’s global citizens.