Magelang – Hundreds of residents of Bandongan Subdistrict, Central Java, on Monday (29/1) were overjoyed when President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto stopped by to eat meatball together at one of the street food stalls.
Jokowi and Prabowo arrived at Bakso Pak Sholeh Bandongan stall after inaugurating the main building of the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang. They sat at the same table facing each other and each ate a portion of meatballs, accompanied by young coconut water.
While Jokowi and Prabowo seemed to chat while eating the most famous meatballs in Bandongan, the gathered residents jostled to capture the moment. Not only that, among them, since Prabowo arrived, they shouted to greet and shake hands directly. “I love you, Mr. Prabowo,” shouted the young women in the crowd.
There were also some older men and young men shouting Prabowo’s name to get his attention and be approached by the defense minister.
“Sir Minister, Sir Minister! Shake hands, Sir! We haven’t got one on this side,” said a young man in a black t-shirt while raising both hands with enthusiasm.
One native resident of Bandongan, Risma (33), said she was very happy today to have the opportunity to see Jokowi and Prabowo. It was her first time meeting both of them in person, as she usually only saw them on TV and social media videos.
“I’m so happy. I got to shake hands (with Prabowo),” said Risma.
She considered Prabowo to be similar to Jokowi, warm and friendly to the people. “(It turns out) he’s just like Mr. Jokowi, (Prabowo) is very friendly to the people,” she said.
Risma also hoped that in the future, if Prabowo were entrusted to be president, he could continue the programs initiated by Jokowi. Most importantly, he should remember the people.
“Only Mr. Prabowo who will continue Mr. Jokowi’s programs. I support that. I hope he will still be close to the people,” she concluded. (SENOPATI)
