President Jokowi Meets Local Residents, Traders at Berau Traditional Market
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited Sanggam Adji Dilayas market in Berau regency, East Kalimantan province, on Thursday (09/26).
Arriving at the location around 12:20 PM Central Indonesia Time, the President was warmly welcomed by local residents and traders.
President Jokowi expressed his surprise at the enthusiastic welcome from the people of Berau.
“I was really shocked by the enthusiasm of the people here, maybe because this is the first time,” the President said in a statement to the media after the visit.
During his visit, the President directly inspected the market conditions, monitored prices of basic food, and provided assistance to several traders. According to him, the prices of several staple goods in the market were quite stable.
“I checked the prices in the market, and everything is in stable prices,” he said.
Additionally, the President shared his views on the economic development potential of Berau regency in the future, especially considering the location of Berau, which is not too far from Nusantara.
“Regencies around Nusantara need to monitor the demands from the new capital. This is a great opportunity for micro and small enterprises to contribute to the logistics supply to Nusantara,” he stated.
The President also engaged in dialogue with several traders, including Paika, a seller of meatball soup. Paika and her husband expressed their gratitude for meeting and receiving assistance from President Jokowi.
“Alhamdulillah, I’m so happy. I’ve never seen him in person before. I received assistance to increase my capital and buy a cart,” Paika said.
Not only the traders but also the residents present at the market expressed their happiness. Paulina, one lucky resident who met the President, shared her excitement.
“I’m so thrilled to meet Pak Jokowi in person for the first time. I usually see him on TV and Facebook. I didn’t expect to run into him while walking around here,” said Paulina. (BPMI/DNS) (EST/LW)