President Prabowo Subianto, accompanied by his son Didit Hediprasetyo, welcomed guests at an open house celebration marking the end of Ramadan, known as Lebaran, at the Istana Negara (State Palace) in Jakarta on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The event drew large crowds eager to exchange greetings and partake in the festive atmosphere, with President Subianto personally greeting attendees and offering well wishes. The open house, a longstanding tradition for Indonesian leaders, provides an opportunity for the public to connect directly with the President during the holiday season.
The scene at Istana Negara was one of warmth and enthusiasm as citizens from across Jakarta and beyond gathered to celebrate Lebaran with President Subianto. The event underscores the importance of community and togetherness during this significant religious holiday. The tradition of open house, or silaturahmi, is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, fostering social bonds and strengthening relationships between leaders and the people they serve. This year’s event was particularly notable as it was President Subianto’s first Lebaran open house since taking office.
President Subianto arrived at the central tent on the Istana grounds around 3:00 PM local time, donning a traditional white koko shirt, whereas Didit Hediprasetyo wore a blue koko. The pair moved through the crowds, shaking hands and exchanging greetings with those in attendance. Footage from the event shows a steady stream of citizens approaching the President, eager to offer their Lebaran wishes and capture the moment with photographs. The atmosphere was described as joyful and celebratory, with attendees expressing their happiness at being able to connect with the President during the holiday.
A Warm Welcome from the President and His Son
The President and his son made a point of personally engaging with as many attendees as possible. Didit Hediprasetyo was frequently seen posing for selfies with members of the public, adding to the festive spirit. The gesture was well-received, with many expressing their appreciation for the President and his son’s accessibility. “Pak Prabowo, Pak Prabowo!” and “Hidup Pak Prabowo!” were among the chants heard from the crowd, demonstrating the public’s support and enthusiasm. The presence of both President Subianto and his son underscored a sense of family and connection with the Indonesian people.
A Feast for the Community
The open house wasn’t just about greetings; it was also a celebration of Indonesian cuisine. Guests were treated to a wide array of traditional Lebaran dishes, including lontong (rice cakes), sate (grilled skewers), and rendang (slow-cooked meat in coconut milk). In addition to these classics, a variety of other foods were available, such as rice with side dishes, siomay (steamed fish dumplings), bakso (meatballs), and mi ayam (chicken noodles). A selection of snacks and beverages were also provided, ensuring there was something for everyone. The abundance of food reflected the spirit of generosity and hospitality associated with Lebaran.
The event was carefully organized to ensure a smooth and orderly flow of visitors. Guests entered through Wisma Negara and were directed to the central courtyard, where the food was served. Security personnel and volunteers were on hand to assist with crowd control and maintain order. Children attending the open house also received toys, adding to the festive atmosphere. The sounds of religious chants and songs further enhanced the sense of warmth and reverence.
Continued Celebrations and Government Activities
The open house officially began at 12:30 PM local time and continued throughout the afternoon. Also in attendance were State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, demonstrating the involvement of key government officials in the event. Following the greetings and interactions with the public, President Subianto and Didit Hediprasetyo returned to Istana Merdeka. The event provided a valuable opportunity for the President to connect with citizens and reaffirm his commitment to serving the Indonesian people. The tradition of the Lebaran open house is expected to continue in future years, serving as a symbol of unity and goodwill.
The Indonesian government encourages citizens to continue practicing the values of Lebaran – forgiveness, compassion, and solidarity – throughout the year. Further information about government initiatives and programs can be found on the official website of the State Secretariat.
As the Lebaran festivities wind down, attention will turn to the ongoing work of the government in addressing national priorities. The next scheduled cabinet meeting is set for April 1, 2026, where key policy decisions are expected to be discussed. We will continue to provide updates on these developments as they unfold.
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