Ganjar Pranowo's Latest Appearance: No More White Hair For Children Of Cancer Survivors

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

SEMARANG - The white hair that became the hallmark of Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo ended. Ganjar kept his promise to shave his head in the 2022 Berani Gundul movement, Monday, February 28 to support children who are fighting cancer.

Ganjar shaved his head at the official residence, and participated virtually in the implementation of Brave Baldness activities centered at Paragon Mall Semarang. After giving a speech, Ganjar started the activity.

"We are all following Andy," said Ganjar greeting Andy F Noya, a senior journalist who is also a social activist.

On that occasion, Ganjar also greeted a number of children with cancer who joined virtually. They come from Manado, Surabaya to Semarang.

"Wow, this is cool, I'm going to be bald soon. Cheer up," said Ganjar encouragingly.

Governor Ganjar said, the Brave Bald action which was carried out in commemoration of World Children's Cancer Day was a form of empathy and solidarity with cancer survivors.

"So if the hair can grow again, if you want to cut it like anything, it can grow again. But I think building empathy and solidarity is important,” he said.

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

Ganjar himself is no stranger to the commemoration of World Children's Cancer Day. Since 2019, Ganjar has participated even though he is not bald and only cuts a bit of his hair as a symbol.

"I think the solidarity of the young people's style is cool, it builds empathy by being brave and then giving donations," he said.

Not only participating in the action, the former member of the Indonesian House of Representatives also made donations. In addition, a number of people also shaved bald simultaneously at Paragon Mall Semarang.

In fact, one of the participants is a mother. Based on the committee's report, the hair from the mother named Ulin was 'worth' Rp 20,000,000 and was donated to children with cancer.

"Earlier, it was quite a collection, maybe 70-80 million today. Hopefully it will also be able to help because the children really need help,” he said.

Regarding his new hair, Ganjar admitted that he had shaved several times, leaving one to three centimeters. Ganjar felt lighter and cooler. When asked, only one word said Ganjar.

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

"Isis," he joked.

Andy F Noya on that occasion thanked Ganjar who was willing to take part in the Brave Bald action. Andy hopes that Ganjar's action will trigger other regional heads so that more donations will be obtained.

Thanks to Ganjar's support, the Brave Bald Event in the context of International Child Cancer Day 2022 at Paragon Mall Semarang Monday (28/2/2022), managed to raise Rp 280 million in funds.

Ganjar said he was interested in taking part in the challenge of Berani Gundul as a form of empathy and solidarity with cancer survivors.

Ganjar was not present at Paragon Mall. He attended the online event from the governor's official residence, Puri Gedeh. Barber shaving is also done in the yard by inviting their regular barbers. His bald style can be seen in posts on the Instagram account @ganjar_pranowo.

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

Head of YKAKI Semarang Branch, Vita Mahaswari, said that the total donations that came in were Rp. 280 million.

"The provisional figure is Rp. 280 million today. Hopefully it will increase because the event lasts until 19.00 tonight," he said.

The donors come from a number of parties, both individuals and institutions. A total of 54 donors were involved. Some donated directly at the event. But more people directly transfer to BCA account 0093435777 on behalf of the Indonesian Cancer Children Care Foundation.

"We use the donations for our shelter operations, daily needs, medical assistance that is not covered by BPJS and others," said Vita.

The shelter in question is Rumah Kita YKAKI Semarang. The address is at Jalan Kedungjati 4-6, Randusari Village, South Semarang.

"Donations are still open at any time, it doesn't have to be just for this event," said Vita.