The visit of President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia to Singapore for the National Day celebrations on August 9 was warmly received by both the locals and the Indonesian community in the city-state. The presence of small Indonesian and Singaporean flags created a patriotic atmosphere as diaspora members, Indonesian citizens, and students gathered in the hotel lobby to welcome the President with cheers and applause.
Among the crowd, Cindy Claresta, representing the Indonesian community in Singapore, delivered a heartfelt message for her homeland. She expressed her hope for Indonesia’s continued success, rapid growth, and significant improvements in education. Cindy also highlighted Indonesia’s achievements in the past year, emphasizing the country’s strong foundation for the future.
Acknowledging Indonesia’s recent accomplishments, she expressed optimism for the emergence of new talents in the journey towards Indonesia Emas 2045. Cindy ended her speech with an energizing call for celebration, wishing Indonesia a happy 80th Independence Day with a spirited “Merdeka!” that resonated with the audience.
The event showcased the power of people-to-people diplomacy, illustrating how love for one’s homeland intensifies when welcoming the nation’s leader on such a significant occasion away from home. It was a moment filled with patriotic pride and unity, symbolizing the strong bond between Indonesia and its citizens living abroad.
