(The fund is) not to buy a new phone, no. It should be used for extra business capital, but you can instead use the Rp300 thousand benefit to buy cooking oil or basic food
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) presented social aid packages to merchants of Alasa Market, North Nias District, during his first day of the working visit to North Sumatra.

While distributing the benefits to the recipients, the president emphasized that they should be utilized only as additional business capital and not for other purposes.

"(The fund is) not to buy a new phone, no. It should be used for extra business capital, but you can instead use the Rp300 thousand benefit to buy cooking oil or basic food," Jokowi stated as per a statement on Wednesday.

The president arrived at the market at 10:50 a.m. local time (UTC +7) and was welcomed by school pupils waving red-and-white flags.


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The president then strolled the market to engage in conversations and present benefit packages to market merchants. He also monitored the prices of food commodities and bought items sold in the market, such as bananas, peanuts, and chilis.

"Mr Jokowi bought three portions (of chili). We are thankful that Mr Jokowi is mindful of the people, particularly the residents of Alasa region," a market merchant stated.

A banana merchant, Dasimalahagu, said he was glad that President Jokowi had purchased his products.

"The normal price is Rp5 thousand (US$0.33), but the president gave us Rp50 thousand (US$3.35) instead. We love Mr President," the merchant remarked.


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Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna Laoly, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, North Sumatra Governor Edy Rahmayadi, and North Nias District head Amizaro Waruwu accompanied Jokowi during his visit to Alasa Market.

Following his visit to Alasa Market, the president is expected to visit the Laehuwa-Ombolata-Tumula-Faekhuna Road section, also in North Nias, where road improvement work is currently underway.

He is also expected to visit West Nias District to observe the progress in road improvement in the district and distribute social aid packages to residents in Mandrehe Market before returning to Gunungsitoli and departing for Medan.


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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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