Indonesians welcome Prabowo in Islamabad with angklung tribute

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesians in Pakistan welcomed President Prabowo Subianto with patriotic songs played on angklung instruments as he arrived at his hotel in Islamabad on Monday during his official bilateral visit.

Tamara, a member of the angklung group supported by the Indonesian Embassy, said the performance was prepared in a short time but the team remained eager to represent Indonesia.

“We trained for less than ten days because everyone was so motivated,” she said, adding that the group’s enthusiasm kept morale high.

She said the patriotic songs helped strengthen national pride among Indonesians living far from home.

The group has performed at several diplomatic events in Pakistan, including ceremonies marking 75 years of Indonesia-Pakistan relations and the Indonesian Expo in Islamabad.

Tamara said local and international guests consistently welcomed their performances.

She described greeting President Prabowo as unforgettable. “He even hummed along. We were happy when he came over to greet us,” she said.

Indonesians at the event said their participation reflected the strong ties between the state and its diaspora and highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy.

President Prabowo arrived at Nur Khan Base Airport in Islamabad at 12:00 p.m. local time on Monday.

As his plane entered Pakistani airspace, six Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder jets escorted the presidential aircraft toward Islamabad.

Prabowo and his delegation, traveling on the Garuda Indonesia-1 presidential jet, received a special welcome before landing.

He was greeted by Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The visit began with a military honor ceremony underscoring the countries’ strategic partnership.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Chandra Warsenanto and Defense Attaché Col. Henru Hidayat Susanto were also present.

Jakarta views the visit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation amid shifting regional and global geopolitical dynamics.

Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to advancing solidarity, collaboration and mutually beneficial partnerships with Pakistan.

The visit also marks the 75th anniversary of Indonesia-Pakistan diplomatic ties.

It recalls the legacy of President Sukarno’s 1950 visit, seen as the foundation of modern relations between the two nations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz invited Prabowo twice - at the D-8 Summit in Cairo and after the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh.

Foreign Minister Sugiono and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya accompanied the president on the flight to Islamabad.