RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The arrival of President Prabowo Subianto in Tokyo on Sunday night, March 29, 2026, turned into a heartfelt reunion, as members of the Indonesian diaspora gathered at his hotel to greet him with cultural gestures and emotional pride.

The head of state landed at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, around 8 p.m. local time before heading to his accommodation, where dozens of Indonesians living in Japan had been waiting eagerly, Antara reported.

The reception carried a strong cultural touch. Three Indonesian children dressed in traditional attire stood neatly at the entrance, presenting flowers to the President, a gesture symbolizing both longing and pride from the diaspora community.

Inside, the mood grew even more festive as cabinet ministers and Indonesians from diverse professional and educational backgrounds joined in the welcome.

For many, the encounter was deeply emotional. Taufiq, an engineer working in Japan’s electricity sector, described the moment as unforgettable. “Out of nearly 290 million Indonesians, having the chance to meet our President directly is extraordinary. I feel very happy,” he said.

Ara, a nurse long settled in Japan, admitted she was nervous but thrilled, especially after receiving the President’s autograph. “He was very friendly, greeting us one by one. I was lucky to be in the right spot,” she recalled.

Students also shared their excitement. Tiwi, a doctoral candidate at Chuo University, attended with representatives of the Indonesian Student Association in Japan. “It’s my first time seeing the President in person. Even without a chance to talk directly, it’s already a valuable moment,” she said, adding hopes that the visit would strengthen Indonesia-Japan ties and open opportunities in knowledge exchange, investment, and economic cooperation.

President Prabowo’s state visit to Japan includes a meeting with Emperor Naruhito and talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The trip underscores 68 years of comprehensive cooperation between Indonesia and Japan across economic, political, and cultural fields, with both nations continuing to show positive momentum.

Following his engagements in Japan, President Prabowo will continue his East Asia tour in South Korea, where discussions will focus on global issues and further strengthening Indonesia’s strategic role in the region. ***