Hopeful Menteng Students Ready, Though Obama Not Likely to Visit

It is nowhere on Barack Obama’s itinerary, but the students and faculty of SDN Menteng 1 elementary school have not given up hope that he would find time to drop by his old school.

Students were preparing, even if in small ways, for the possibility he could squeeze in a visit to the school he attended for two years as a small boy.

“I haven’t said anything [about a possible visit] to the students, because if it’s canceled again I bear the responsibility of telling them, and it’s not easy to cancel something to a kid,” Hasimah, the principal of the school, told the Jakarta Globe.

“But maybe the president will think about the school after visiting Istiqlal [Mosque] because it’s nearby, and decide to make a short stop here. We would welcome him like other state guests,” she said.

Though no special preparations had been made, Hasimah said the students had practiced dancing and singing often enough for an impromptu performance if needed.

In March, preparations had been made for a visit by Obama to the school, with a US Embassy team conducting early inspections. “It was almost certain at the time, but then it was canceled,” Hasimah said.

“With this one, we haven’t heard or been informed of anything. That’s why I didn't say anything to the children. They might hear something from the media, but not me. The teachers even made their own batik uniforms called Obama Batik.”

Shadam Sambega Raditya, 7, who had hoped to talk with Obama, said that he was disappointed the US president would not visit. “He lied,” he said.

Shadam’s mother, Erly Indriani, said her son was very excited by the prospect of a visit. “I never told him anything though, I don’t want him to be disappointed,” Erly said.

Iin, a dance teacher, said that the two earlier cancellations had put a damper on expectations at the school. 

“So after June, we didn’t tell the students anything. Children still go to dance classes, but for regular practice and not to welcome Obama,” she said.

Ilham Sugiantoro, 8, said he was not too disappointed because he had lived in the United States when Obama was elected president. Some of Obama’s childhood classmates did get invitations to hear him speak at University of Indonesia’s campus today, although it was unclear if they would get the chance to meet with him in person.

“So far, the only plan scheduled is to see his public speech,” Sonny Gondokusumo, Obama’s former classmate at the school, told the Globe.

Sonny said he and his friends had prepared a gift for “Barry” Obama: photographs of them together in elementary school.

“But we doubt if we will be able to get them in,” Sonny said. “We are not allowed to bring anything other than a cellphone and pocket camera.” Still, he said, “we are happy that Barry can finally make it to Indonesia, that’s all.”