Inaugurating The Demang Toenthoer Center, Airlangga: Solo Made Of Longing, Memories And Wedangan

SOLO - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto inaugurated the Demang Toenthoer Wedangan Center in Solo, Central Java. This wedangan (beverage) center is a culinary center for Solo special beverage or Hik in the Balekambang Bird Market area.

In his remarks, Airlangga said that Solo was a center for traditional Javanese culture and an authentic, distinctive and unique Javanese culinary center. According to him, this is the main attraction for the city of Solo to make tourists feel at home and feel comfortable.

In front of the Mayor of Surakarta, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Airlangga also joked about the city of Solo.

"Liwet rice is made of chicken, eggs, and coconut milk. Solo is made of longing, memories, and beverages. Take note, memories, beverages, not exes," said Airlangga at the Demang Toenthoer Wedangan Center, Thursday, March 24.

The general chairman of the Golkar Party told the history of the early emergence of wedangan culture in the city of Solo. Airlangga said, the forerunner of the wedangan culture in Solo appeared in the early 1900s at the same time as the first power plant in the Surakarta Kasunanan Palace.

“Wedangan is a favorite of many people because here there is no social barrier to enjoy wedangan. All professions can be slow, relaxed, and fun. That is the forerunner of friendship," said Airlangga.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy emphasized that wedangan or Hik in Solo City are tough MSMEs. Currently, MSMEs are the mainstay of the government to maintain the momentum of national economic growth.

Airlangga said the government encouraged MSME financing by budgeting for People's Business Credit (KUR) with an interest of 3 percent per year. The public can access financing of up to IDR 100 million without collateral.

"The government provides quite a large amount of funds, namely IDR 373 trillion for one year," said Airlangga.

In addition, the Chairperson of the Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN) said the government has also started assistance for street vendors (PKL) and food stalls in 212 districts and cities throughout Indonesia.

"Each community receives IDR 600 thousand, which is implemented through the TNI and Polri, so these are programs that can be directly enjoyed and given to the community," said Airlangga.

Sentra Wedangan Demang Toenthoer is a Hik culinary area which was initiated by utilizing unused land in the Balekambang area. This wedangan center has succeeded in providing jobs to 120 families who were previously unemployed.