'I Am Proud To Have Mr. Jokowi, Humble And Populist,' Happy Expression Of Sondang Butar Butar, Street Vendor At Porsea Toba Market

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) distributed capital assistance to a number of street vendors (PKL) and stalls when they visited Porsea Market in Toba Regency during a series of working visits in North Sumatra, today.

President Jokowi provided direct cash assistance of IDR 1.2 million per person accompanied by food packages. This assistance is expected to ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that has burdened traders.

Accompanied by the Head of Porsea Market, Parlindungan Pangaribuan, President Jokowi had a chance to talk with traders who received aid.

One of the food and beverage sellers at Porsea Market, Risma Sitorus, said he was happy not only because he received capital assistance, but also had the opportunity to meet President Jokowi.

"I am very happy to be able to meet the President in person. We will be given gifts, rice and basic necessities," Risma said in a press release from the Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau received in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, February 2.

In line with Risma, Sondang Novita Butar Butar, who peddles vegetables at Porsea Market every day, expressed her pride in being able to meet face to face with the number one person in Indonesia.

"My feelings are extraordinary. I am proud to have Mr. President Jokowi. Mr. Jokowi is very humble and Mr. Jokowi is very populist. Thank you Mr. Jokowi for your help," said Sondang.

Not only capital assistance, Rio, one of the tailors who used to peddle his services at Porsea Market, got a precious memento when President Jokowi handed Rio the jacket he usually wears.

"Very happy to be given a jacket. Called directly, this is a memento, he said. I hope Mr. President is in good health and our country is progressing," said Rio.

On the sidelines of his visit to Porsea Market, the President also bought a number of goods sold by local traders. The president bought pineapples and salak fruit.

"Buying two pineapples is given Rp. 200,000. Thank you, Mr. Jokowi," said Francisca Tampubolon, whose pineapples were bought by Jokowi.