Article by Viory
An Indonesian couple in Kampar Regency, Riau Province, has named their newborn son Ali Khamenei in tribute to the late Iranian Supreme Leader, drawing widespread attention both locally and internationally.
The child was born on March 24, 2026, in the village of Tibun. His parents, Arsa Putra and Vardatul Jannah, said the name reflects their admiration for the Iranian leader and their sense of solidarity with the Iranian people.
“The reason we named our son Ali Khamenei is to pay tribute to the Iranian leader… in response to the attack carried out by the Zionists and the United States,” Putra said.
He added that the couple took additional steps before making the decision, seeking approval from Iranian officials.
“At first, we didn’t want our child’s name to cause any trouble… so we tried to communicate with the embassy,” he said. “Praise be to God, the Iranian Embassy granted permission… that very same day.”
Putra also described the qualities he associates with the name, expressing hopes for his son’s future.
“In our view, Ali Khamenei is a leader who is loved by his people… a great religious scholar with a deep commitment to his faith,” he said. “We hope our child will contribute to the faith, the community, and his family.”
The decision quickly drew attention from representatives of Iran’s cultural institutions in Indonesia, who visited the family and presented flowers and gifts, describing the naming as a symbol of cultural and spiritual ties between the two countries.
The story has since circulated widely across Southeast Asia and on global social media, prompting mixed reactions. Some praised the gesture as a sign of admiration that transcends borders, while others questioned the political implications.
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, maintains cultural and religious links with a range of nations across the Islamic world.
Khamenei was reported killed in a joint US-Israel airstrike on February 28.
Article by Viory
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