President Jokowi Distributes Direct Cash Assistance at Sidikalang Central Market

President Jokowi distributes direct cash assistance at Sidikalang Central Market, Dairi regency, North Sumatra province, Thursday (02/03). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

In a bid to ease the burden of small business owners amid the COVID-19 pandemic, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (02/03) distributed direct cash assistance of Rp1.2 million per person for street vendors and small stall owners at Sidikalang Central Market, Dairi regency, North Sumatra province.

One of the vendors at the market, Lisna Hutapea, said that she would use the assistance to improve her business. “Thank you, Mr. President. May you stay healthy and live long,” she said.

Another vendor, Romayana Simbolon, said she was happy to see President Jokowi in-person. According to her, during the 76 years of Indonesia’s independence, this is the very first time that a Head of State has visited Dairi regency.

“I am glad for 76 years of (the country’s) independence, this is my first time I can meet Mr. Jokowi directly,” Romayana said, adding that she would use the assistance to improve her business.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also signed a painting by a Dairi regency’s artist named Renaldi Siregar.

“With the signing, I hope Mr. President and Dairi regency government will pay attention to the Dairi artists,” Renaldi said.

Also joining the President during the visit were Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno, Governor of North Sumatra Edy Rahmayadi, and Regent of Dairi Eddy Keleng Ate Berutu. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (GWH/MUR)