President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, received a warm welcome in Singapore during the National Day celebrations on August 9. The arrival of President Prabowo not only sparked enthusiasm among Indonesians living in Singapore but also triggered a sense of patriotism just days before Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day on August 17. The hotel lobby was filled with small Indonesian and Singaporean flags waving in unison as members of the diaspora, Indonesian citizens, and students greeted the President with cheers and applause.
Among the crowd was Cindy Claresta, representing the Indonesian community in Singapore, who shared a heartfelt message for the homeland. Expressing her hopes for Indonesia’s continuous success and rapid growth, Cindy emphasized the importance of great improvements in education. She commended Indonesia’s achievements over the past year, laying a solid foundation for the future.
Cindy also expressed excitement for the many accomplishments of Indonesia and urged for the emergence of new talents in the journey towards Indonesia Emas 2045. She concluded her remarks with a spirited call, wishing Indonesia a Happy 80th Independence Day and declaring “Merdeka!” This declaration prompted enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience, showcasing a strong sense of people-to-people diplomacy.
The moment captured in Singapore exemplified the deep-rooted love for the motherland, which only intensifies when welcoming the nation’s leader during a historic milestone. The outpouring of patriotism and unity among Indonesians in Singapore demonstrated a strong bond with Indonesia, even when far from home.
