First Visit in 2023, Jokowi Brings Optimism to Pekanbaru Bottom Market Traders

PEKANBARU - President Joko Widodo reviewed trading activities at Pasar Bawah, Pekanbaru City to ensure that traders' optimism could continue to increase in 2023.

"I entered the lower market to see how the economy is moving in the main market, which is related to turnover, is it better compared to 2021, traders say 2022 will be better", said President Jokowi in his statement in Pekanbaru, Antara, Wednesday, January 4.

According to President Jokowi, after the Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) were repealed, traders hoped that their turnover would be better. This means that in 2023 everyone hopes and is optimistic that it will be better than 2022.

Masria, a trader at Pasar Bawah, said he was proud because Riau Province was the first province visited by President Jokowi in 2023.

"The first time we felt proud was that in 2023 we had a visit here, the first time Mr. President went directly to Riau, his first visit will be in 2023. We are very proud", said Masria.

When meeting with the President, Masria said Jokowi was also interested in one of the merchandise, in the form of a typical Riau songket.

"Alhamdulillah, earlier Mr. President liked this one set of songket for daddy's clothes, and for mom's clothes, I immediately bought the green one, the material is soft, Mr. President likes it", said Masria.

Apart from that, another market trader, Meri, said he was happy about President Jokowi's visit to Pasar Bawah. Meri also hopes that the President's visit can also attract the public to be able to visit the market.

Accompanying the President during the visit were State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, SOE Minister Erick Thohir, and Riau Governor Syamsuar.