The visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Singapore for the National Day celebrations on August 9 had a profound impact on Indonesian students studying in the Lion City. The opportunity to meet President Prabowo brought a sense of closeness to their homeland, making them feel as though they were back in Indonesia. Four students from the Singapore Institute of Management, namely Belinda, Donata, Daniel, and Ardi, were among those who had the privilege to interact directly with the President. This encounter was more than just a casual meeting; it served as a heartfelt reminder of their national identity. Meeting their country’s leader while abroad brought a piece of home to foreign soil. Belinda shared how the experience was incredibly memorable and made her feel connected to her roots, especially during Singapore’s National Day Parade. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet and shake hands with President Prabowo and members of the Kabinet Merah Putih, the students described the moment as truly unforgettable. Donata mentioned how happy she was to meet President Prabowo again, feeling fortunate to have such a close encounter. Another student expressed the rarity of the opportunity to meet a President in person, highlighting that it was their first time meeting a head of state. The encounter left a lasting impact on the students, creating a sense of belonging and connection to their home country.
