President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo disbursed cash aid to market merchants during a visit to Kertek Market in Wonosobo district, Central Java.
The President braved the rain to greet and converse with merchants at the market, according to information received from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat here on Tuesday.
The aid was intended as an extra cash boost for Kertek Market merchants affected by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Press Bureau said.
During the President’s visit, Kertek Market administrator head Nyuhono informed that merchants’ revenue had declined significantly amid the pandemic. Specifically, they were unable to open their stalls during the first three months of activities restrictions enforcement in the district, he said.
“Merchants’ revenue declined significantly by 50 percent, and some merchants have discontinued their activities as their business has stagnated,” Nyuhono added.
He also expressed the hope that Kertek Market, which has been active since 1995, would be revitalized with repairs conducted on buildings and damaged facilities.
“We hope that if the market is revitalized in the future, the market will become a modernized traditional market. We hope the market will be developed by segregating merchants based on their trade commodities, hence, merchants who sell clothes, basic foods, and meats, will trade in their own area,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rahmawati, a merchant at the market, could not conceal her joy when the President and the first lady visited the Kertek Market. She expressed the hope that the President would be successful in his endeavors and the market would also be made better.
“I hope Mr. President will be successful in his endeavors, and Indonesia will be more prosperous. I also hope that Kertek Market will be made better so more people will buy my products,” Rahmawati remarked.
Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of State Secretariat Pratikno, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, and Wonosobo district head Afif Nurhidayat accompanied the President and the first lady during their visit to Kertek Market.
Source: Antara News