Prabowo Celebrates Eid-al Adha with Diaspora in Paris

PARIS – Jakartaweekly.com, The atmosphere of Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriah at Wisma Indonesia in Paris, France, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, felt remarkably different for the Indonesian citizens and diaspora in attendance. The presence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, in the congregational Eid al-Adha prayer added a distinct warmth and sense of pride for the Indonesian community living abroad.

For some WNI in Paris, the chance to perform Eid prayers in a foreign land while meeting the Head of State face-to-face brought immense joy. This was felt firsthand by four International Relations students from Universitas Brawijaya—Zeahita, Yuri, Kezia, and Sindhu—who are currently in France for academic activities.

“It’s very special. Especially since it perfectly lined up with us being in France, and we happened to meet the President. It’s such an honor,” Zeahita said.

Kezia admitted she never expected their trip to France would coincide with the moment of performing Eid al-Adha prayers alongside President Prabowo. Initially, they had traveled to France to attend a Model United Nations conference and competition in Lyon before making a stopover in Paris.

“Actually, we never expected to pray here because we initially left for Lyon for a Model United Nations conference and competition. But since we stopped by Paris for a bit, we decided to do our Eid prayer here, and we are so happy because we got to meet many fellow Indonesians and, of course, the President himself,” Kezia explained.

For Sindhu, the moment also served as a cure for homesickness. Despite having been in France for only two weeks, he shared that the Eid al-Adha atmosphere spent with fellow WNI made him feel close to home again.

“Alhamdulillah, I’m very happy. Of course, we miss Indonesia terribly—even though it’s only been two weeks in France, we miss home so much,” Sindhu expressed.

For Yuri, performing the Eid al-Adha prayer at Wisma Indonesia was a joyful experience because they were able to meet the presidential entourage and several ministers who were also in attendance. “It feels quite pleasant and very exciting for all of us to pray here while also meeting the presidential officials and some ministers,” Yuri said.

A Peaceful Atmosphere in a Historic City

The students were not alone in this experience; Myrna Damayanti, a WNI from Jakarta who was on a business trip in Paris, felt the same way. For Myrna, the Eid al-Adha atmosphere in Paris felt different yet remained profoundly peaceful.

“It feels peaceful here. Surrounded by these incredibly beautiful and historical buildings, we can perform the Eid prayer and hear the takbir. That makes me truly happy,” she said.

Myrna also admitted that President Prabowo’s presence was an unexpected surprise. She had previously only heard rumors from her friends that the President would be performing Eid prayers at the same location.

“My friends joked, ‘Oh, Myrna, are you going to be with Pak Prabowo?’ It felt like just a joke. Then suddenly, I was allowed inside. This is truly a blessing (alhamdulillah), completely unexpected,” she said.

On this occasion of Eid al-Adha, Myrna expressed her hopes that Indonesia and all its people would always be granted blessings and strength to face various global challenges.

“This Eid al-Adha, I hope for myself personally, my company, and our country, that we will all always be granted blessings and mercy from Allah,” she prayed.

During the gathering, the attendees also sang several Indonesian national anthems together. This moment further strengthened the sense of togetherness and warmth among the diaspora abroad.

For the Indonesian community in Paris, this Eid al-Adha was not only a moment of worship but also a space for fellowship (silaturahmi) that reinforced their bond in a foreign land. President Prabowo’s presence served as a reminder that no matter where they are, Indonesian citizens remain an integral part of the nation’s big family.