President Jokowi, First Lady Distribute Social Assistance at Petisah Market

President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana visit Petisah Market, Medan city, North Sumatra province Thursday (07/07). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Kris)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and First Lady Ibu Iriana Jokowi visited Petisah Market, Medan city, North Sumatra province, Tuesday (07/07).

Upon arrival at around 08.00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time, both President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana were warmly welcomed by several market vendors and communities in the market.

On that occasion, the President distributed social assistance to beneficiaries and market vendors that consists of Working Capital Assistance (BMK) and Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) for cooking oil.

The President and the First Lady also took the time to buy a few things from street vendors and a satay vendor prior to entering the market.

One of satay vendors, Yunita, expressed her excitement over the President’s visit and hope that one day she would be invited to the Presidential Palace.

“We called the President while strolling around the market and he bought things from us. Alhamdulillah, we also received social assistance. We are beyond happy. It was a rare moment we met the Head of State directly. I hope the President will invite me to come to the Palace,” Yunita said.

Afterwards, the President and the First Lady went into the market and approached fruit and vegetable vendors to buy corn, kweni mango, and guava.

“Actually, the corn costs Rp36 thousand, but the President paid Rp200 thousand. Thank you very much, Sir. I am so happy that President Jokowi visits Petisah Market. Please, visit us more often, Sir,” corn vendor Sopiana said.

“I hope that the President always stays healthy so that he can maintain Indonesia’s economic stability,” she added.

In addition to distributing social assistance, President Jokowi also distributed cash assistance to becak motor (three-wheeled rickshaw) drivers.

One of rickshaw drivers, Hendika, expressed his excitement over the assistance provided by the President for daily necessities.

“I wish him a long life and an abundance of fortune,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RIF/MUR)