Jokowi Hands Over Direct Assistance To Merchants At The Alasa Nias Market, Afterward Wholesales Bananas And Chilies

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo handed over direct assistance to traders at Alasa Market, North Nias Regency, on Wednesday, as well as starting his working visit in North Sumatra.

Arriving at the Alasa Market at 10.50 WIB, President Jokowi was greeted enthusiastically by rows of students carrying red and white flags.

The President also handed over assistance to the beneficiaries of the Family Hope Program (PKH). He advised that the assistance be used for additional business capital.

"Not to buy a cellphone, no. It's used for additional business capital and for those of Rp. 300 thousand, please buy basic necessities, cooking oil, and others, it's okay," President Jokowi said in an official statement quoted by Antara, Wednesday, July 6, 2020.

At the Alasa Market, the President walked around talking and providing direct assistance to the traders.

Several times the Head of State also did not escape to check the prices of basic necessities as well as buy market merchandise, such as bananas, beans, chilies and other agricultural products.

"Mr. Jokowi bought three servings of (chili). We thank Mr. Jokowi for paying attention to the community, especially the people of Alasa," said one of the traders at the Alasa Market.

A banana trader named Dasimalahagu said he was happy that President Jokowi had bought his merchandise.

"(The price) is Rp. 5,000 if you buy it normally, what Mr. President buys is given Rp. 50,000. Too bad, Mr. President," said the trader.