Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) observed and distributed cash assistance to street vendors and shop owners at Sederhana Market in Bandung, West Java, on Monday.

To ease the burden of vendors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the president allocated Rp1.2 million as additional capital. The information was quoted from an official statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat received here on Monday.

The traders were ecstatic in welcoming President Jokowi and admitted to feeling glad, as the president could visit the market where they work daily.

Iros, who sell chilis, admitted to have received cash assistance from President Jokowi.

"I am very happy to increase the capital as well, (especially) right now, when the cengek (cayenne pepper) is still expensive, in the price range of Rp50 thousand per kilogram. Very helpful," Iros noted.

Ade Siti Sarah, a chicken trader also felt glad and expressed gratitude for the cash assistance she had received during the president's visit and also prayed for Jokowi.

"Thank God, the president has visited this market. The additional capital (makes me) very happy. I pray that the president will live a long life and always be healthy. Additional business capital, thank God. Hopefully, it would be beneficial and (serve as a) blessing," she remarked.

After about 30 minutes at the Sederhana Market, President Jokowi continued his work visit to Purwakarta District. The president will observe the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Train project.

The president's entourage during the visit to Sederhana Market comprised Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, and Bandung City Secretary Ema Sumarna.

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Translator: Indra Arief P, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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