After Eid Prayers, President Prabowo Greets Officials and Residents

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - The queue of officials along with their families crowded the stairs beside the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (31/3/2025). They were waiting for their turn to shake hands with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace.

The President met with ministers, heads of institutions, and other officials in the credential room of the Merdeka Palace after performing the Eid al-Fitr 1446 Hijri prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta. The President, who was accompanied by his son, Didit Hediprasetyo, arrived at the mosque at around 6:45 AM WIB. In addition to the President, thousands of worshippers also attended to perform the Eid al-Fitr prayer together at the Istiqlal Mosque.

The President occupied the front row alongside Vice President Gibran Rakabumingraka, the 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia Jusuf Kalla, as well as the ministers. The Eid al-Fitr prayer at Istiqlal Mosque began promptly at 7:00 AM WIB, led by Imam Ustadz Moh Salim Ghazali and sermon delivered by KH Ahmad Tholabi. This year's sermon carried the theme "Preserving the Blessings of Fasting."

Togetherness during the month of Ramadan truly has an important meaning that blessings will be born from togetherness and unity.

In his sermon, it was conveyed that the important message of Ramadan practices is cohesiveness, which is not merely words. Cohesiveness must always be earnestly strived for.

"Togetherness during the month of Ramadan truly holds significant meaning, as blessings will arise from unity and togetherness, 'Albarakah ma’a al-jama’ah,'" he stated.

The preacher called on all Muslims to preserve their purity by continuing to strive to bring goodness to all. The virtue of fasting not only shapes pious individuals but also, more broadly, fosters righteousness in community, national, and state life.

"The hope for the realization of a 'baldatun thayyibatun wa rabbun ghafur,' a prosperous and blessed nation, must be continuously, consistently, and earnestly pursued with the spirit of bringing about collective goodness," he added.

After performing the Eid al-Fitr prayer, President Prabowo returned to the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta to meet with state officials and the public.

Around a thousand lucky citizens who were able to enter the palace and meet the President waited in a giant tent in the central courtyard of the State Palace and Merdeka Palace. This tent has been used since the simultaneous inauguration of regional heads on February 20 and various agendas.

Now, the lanes are prepared complete with tables with various dishes. Available siomay bandung, batagor, ketupat and chicken opor, sambal goreng ati and rendang, teppanyaki and Japanese fried rice, bread, avocado ice, and coconut ice. The public is free to enjoy the dishes.

Joko (61), a resident of Pinrang, South Sulawesi, said that he found out about the open house agenda from mass media reports and his friends. In addition, he took advantage of the holiday but had not yet received a ticket to return to his hometown by attending the open house.

Therefore, despite wearing a t-shirt, black pants, and flip-flops, he was excited to greet the President. "I am a volunteer (for Mr. Prabowo) for three terms," said Joko excitedly.

Rani (46) was also enthusiastic to greet President Prabowo. She and her husband Ridwan left by commuter train since morning from their residence in Serpong. "Every year I know there is an open house but I've never been here. Because before I was always on duty," said Ridwan, who is a member of the military.

Rani was also excited to meet President Prabowo. "What was your dream last night, to be able to go to the palace and meet the President," she said.

President Prabowo himself only started meeting residents at around 11.00 WIB.