PARIS - The sound of takbir was a little different this morning. It did not come from the recitation of the mosque in the corner of the city of Jakarta, but bounced off the walls of the aesthetic city of Paris, France. Inside the Wisma Indonesia complex, Wednesday morning (27/5/2026), the cold of the European air suddenly fell by the familiar warmth.
That day was 10 Zulhijah 1447 Hijriah. For hundreds of Indonesian citizens (WNI) in Paris, celebrating Eid al-Adha in a foreign country often triggers a great sense of longing for their hometowns. However, this celebration holds a surprise that they will never forget: the presence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, who came to prostrate in the same row.
Penawar Rindu in Tanah Rantau
For Zeahita, Yuri, Kezia, and Sindhu, this moment was like an unplanned gift. The four international relations students from Universitas Brawijaya were actually in France for an academic agenda - participating in the Model United Nations competition in the city of Lyon. Before returning home, they decided to stop by Paris.
Who would have thought, the spontaneous decision to perform the Id prayer at Wisma Indonesia actually brought them face to face with the Head of State.
"It's very special, especially when we are in France and happen to meet the President. It's such an honor," said Zeahita with sparkling eyes.
Kezia also echoed in a tone that was still unbelieving. "Actually we never expected to pray here... But we are very happy to be able to meet many colleagues from Indonesia and of course also the President."
For Sindhu, the aroma of typical cooking, the noisy mother tongue, and the presence of President Prabowo at that place were a panacea for longing. Although he had only been away from Indonesia for two weeks, the young man's chest had been choked by the feeling of missing home.
"Alhamdulillah very happy. Of course we miss Indonesia very much," said Sindhu honestly. The morning atmosphere managed to bring a piece of Indonesian atmosphere to the heart of Paris.
"A Peaceful Memory in the Old City"
Another story comes from Myrna Damayanti. This woman from Jakarta is in Paris for business. Worshipping in the midst of the historical Paris architecture gives her a magical spiritual experience.
"Here it feels peaceful. Among the very beautiful and historical buildings, we can pray Id and hear takbir. That's really happy," said Myrna softly.
When leaving his inn, Myrna thought his friends' jokes that he would "go on a holiday with Mr. Prabowo" were just jokes. However, when he stepped in and saw the President was really there with the line-up of ministers, Myrna was stunned.
"Suddenly I can go in. This is really good, really unexpected," he said gratefully.
The emotional moment then flowed into sincere prayers that he prayed for the beloved homeland. On this Eid al-Adha, Myrna hopes that Indonesia and all its people will always be given strength and blessings to face the challenges of an increasingly dynamic world.
Wherever We Are, We Are Still Indonesia
After the series of formal prayers and greetings, the atmosphere actually became more relaxed. There was no rigid distance between the leaders of the country and its people. Under the Paris sky, President Prabowo mingled, greeted each of his citizens, and was lost in a warm conversation.
The atmosphere becomes more magical when the voices of the congregation slowly blend, singing verse by verse of the national song together. The sound vibrates, bringing a sense of nationalism that only thickens when one is far from their homeland.
Iduladha 1447 H in Paris is no longer just a religious obligation in the calendar. For the Indonesian diaspora, that day is a sweet reminder: no matter how far they wander, and in whatever part of the world they stand, they will always have each other as a big family called Indonesia.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
