Ganjar Accompanies Jokowi To Inaugurate Johar Market And He Is Surrounded By Residents Until He Misses The VVIP Entourage

SEMARANG - President Joko Widodo inaugurated the Johar Market in Semarang City, Wednesday, January 5. The President hopes that Pasar Johar will return to its former glory, as a center for the local economy and a landmark for the city of Semarang.

President Jokowi arrived at Johar Market accompanied by Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo. Getting out of the car, the two immediately greeted the residents who had been waiting since noon. Then review the location of the convection stalls, spices, and meat.

The President asked Johar Market to be kept clean and safe. So the market is not only convenient for buying and selling but also crowded as a city landmark.

"I entrust it to keep it clean, keep it safe, so that this market really becomes a clean, neat, orderly market, and does not become a dirty and smelly market," said Jokowi.

On the other hand, during the visit, residents and traders were enthusiastic and asked for selfies. Not only to President Jokowi, but residents also shouted the name of Governor Ganjar.

Ganjar, who initially only stayed with the President, was suddenly 'surrounded' by residents and traders who were at the location. They shouted Ganjar's name to ask for a selfie. Directly, Ganjar immediately calmed the residents. However, he still serves requests for group photos.

"Mr. Ganjar, take a photo, Mr. Ganjar," shouted a number of residents.

"Yo, here's a photo, here's a photo," replied Ganjar.

Because of serving the requests of the people who surrounded him, Ganjar also missed the presidential entourage. He huddled up to find a way to return to President Jokowi's entourage who had already walked towards the spice stall.

The enthusiasm of the residents who wanted to shake hands with their leaders made it difficult for Paspamres officers. Officers also repeatedly reminded residents to keep their distance and obey health protocols.

Ganjar was no exception, who reminded residents several times to wear masks properly. "Have you been vaccinated, how many times have you been vaccinated? Let's wear the mask," he said.

According to data from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, the North Johar Market and the Central Johar Market were built at a cost of Rp146 billion, while the South Johar Market was built at a cost of Rp103 billion. To increase the trading capacity, the Kanjengan Market was also built at a cost of Rp20.3 billion.

North Johar Market has a building area of 4,802 square meters with 51 stalls and 368 dry stalls. Pasar Johar Tengah has a building area of 7,183 square meters with 102 stalls, 503 dry booths, and 109 wet stalls.

Meanwhile, Pasar Johar Selatan has a building area of 10,594 square meters with 126 stalls, 542 dry booths, and 36 wet stalls. The Kanjengan Market has a building area of 8,460 square meters with 205 stalls and 550 dry booths.