Arriving In Dubai, Jokowi Is Welcomed By Ukulele Students Of Indonesian Descent

President Joko Widodo in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday (30/11/2023). (doc Setneg)

JAKARTA - A student of Indonesian descent Celine entertained President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and a number of ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet with ukulele musical instruments in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PEA), Thursday local time.

Arriving at the hotel after traveling about 10 hours from Jakarta, Jokowi and his entourage were greeted by ukulele music from Indonesian students.

According to a press release received in Jakarta on Friday, December 1, Jokowi arrived at Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai at around 16.25 local time.

President Jokowi and his entourage then headed to the hotel where they lived while in Dubai. Arriving at the hotel, a student of Indonesian descent, Celine entertained Jokowi and his entourage with ukulele musical instruments.

Celine expressed her surprise because she did not expect to have the opportunity to meet directly with the President at the hotel where she was staying.

"To be honest I'm not sure the President (Jokowi) will come here, but this is a coincidence," Celine said shortly after the meeting.

Celine admitted that she was very happy to meet President Jokowi, whom she considered an inspirational figure. For Celine, President Jokowi is a figure who inspires many people in various places.

He also inspired many people everywhere. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to meet him today," he said.

During the meeting, Celine demonstrated her ability in musical arts. In front of the President, Celine sang the medley of three Indonesian songs while accompanying her proficient ukulele musical instrument.

I played the medley of three songs namely 'Ojo Compared to', 'Pamer bojo', and 'Tanah Airku',' he said.

Despite being nervous at first, Celine became very enthusiastic when she started playing the medley song in front of President Jokowi and a number of ministers of the Advanced Indonesia cabinet.

At the end of the meeting, President Jokowi also gave a signature on the ukulele brought by Celine. Celine stated that she would keep the instrument as a memento of her memorable meeting with the President.

"I will definitely keep it," he said happily.

While in Dubai, Jokowi is scheduled to attend the COP28 World Climate Action Summit (WCAS). The President is also planning to hold a number of meetings with other country leaders.

Several ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet are also in Dubai, including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Ad Interim Erick Thohir, Minister of Environment and Forestry (LHK) Siti Nurbaya Bakar, as well as Minister of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Mendikbudristek) Nadiem Makarim.

Jokowi was also accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Head of State Protocol Andy Rachmianto, Presidential Military Secretary Admiral TNI Hersan, and Commander of Paspampres Major General TNI Rafael Granada Baay.