Jokowi Assess This Figure Is His Flagship Minister

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - There was an interesting moment when President Joko Widodo reviewed trading activities in Pasar Bawah, Pekanbaru City, Riau, Wednesday, January 4.

In the midst of thousands of people booming in the market, President Jokowi specifically summoned the Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir to approach. In fact, at that time, Erick was with other ministers accompanying the visit, namely Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of PUPR Basuki Hadimuljono, and also Riau Governor Syamsuar.

"Come here, Mr. Erick," President Jokowi called Erick who was standing in the back row. "Do you know my mainstay minister, haven't?" Jokowi asked the residents.

Erick, who approached, was immediately greeted by boisterous residents who shouted "Mr. Erick... Mr. Erick..!" repeatedly. With a smile, the SOE Minister approached and greeted several Riau residents.

The arrival of President Jokowi and a number of Ministers to Pasar Bawah, Pekanbaru is the first point in a working visit in Riau Province. After ensuring that the economic activity in the community remains optimistic after the revocation of PPKM, President Jokowi and his entourage continued their journey to inaugurate the Pekanbaru-Bangkinang Toll Road for 30.9 km.

Erick added that visits to the market and seeing the community's direct activities were none other than to ensure that the economy in the MSME sector, which is the strength of the national economy, continues to grow.

"As well as convincing that the government's program to support MSMEs through Himbara banks, such as BRI, Mandiri, BNI, and BSI is going well. Let's take care of Indonesian MSMEs," Erick added.