President Jokowi, First Lady Distribute Social Assistance at Peterongan Market

President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana visit Peterongan Market, Semarang city, Central Java province, Tuesday (07/05). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Ibu Iriana Jokowi visited Peterongan Market, Semarang city, Central Java province, Tuesday (07/05).

Upon arrival at around 12.30 Western Indonesia Time, both President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana were enthusiastically welcomed by the people in the market.

On that occasion, they distributed social assistance and interacted with several beneficiaries and market vendors.

One of market vendors who was also a person with disabilities, Joko, expressed his appreciation and hope that the assistance could improve his business in the food sector.

“Currently, I am selling mayo rissoles, fruit salad, egg coated peanuts, and fried shallots. Hopefully, I can grow and expand my business with this assistance. I also want to show people that persons with disabilities can be successful,” Joko said.

President Jokowi also met with several beneficiaries of the Family Hope Program and reminded them to use the assistance worth Rp1.2 million for additional working capital.

“You should not use it to buy cell phones. Do not buy cell phones or phone credit. This assistance is used for additional working capital. A total of Rp300 thousand can be used to buy cooking oil and basic necessities. Go ahead,” the President said.

In addition to providing assistance, the President and the First Lady also inspected the prices and availability of a number of main food commodities, such as red chilies, cooking oil, and rice.

A staple food vendor who was approached by the President, Amini, said that prices for basic necessities have returned to normal.

“It has been a week that the price of rice is Rp10 thousand (per kilogram). The expensive one is red chilli pepper at Rp80 thousand (per kilogram),” she explained.

The President also said that the current prices for basic necessities have become stable.

“It’s good. Hopefully, the price will go down and remain stable,” the President said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RIF/MMB)