Andre Rosiade Distributes 1,000 Staple Food Packages to Residents and Elderly in Batang Arau
Deputy Chairman of House of Representatives Commission VI, Andre Rosiade, once again distributed social assistance in the form of 1,000 staple food packages to residents of Batang Arau subdistrict, South Padang district, Padang city, on Saturday (21 February).
The distribution was centred at Thawaduk Mosque and formed part of a series of events marking the 18th anniversary of the Gerindra Party, whilst also welcoming the holy month of Ramadan.
The aid was distributed directly to residents, the elderly, small traders, and families affected by rising prices of basic necessities. Andre explained that the distribution was carried out in stages due to cooking oil supply constraints at the supplier level. In the first phase, 500 packages were distributed, with the remainder to be delivered several days later to ensure all recipients on the verified list receive their assistance.
“The total is 1,000 staple food packages for the people of Batang Arau. Hopefully this can help with household needs, especially as basic commodity prices are rising ahead of Ramadan. This is a form of our concern so that residents can welcome the fasting month with greater peace of mind,” Andre said in a statement on Saturday (21 February 2026).
In addition to distributing the food packages, Andre also held dialogue with the community to gather aspirations regarding residents’ economic conditions, market management, and the safety of small traders. He affirmed that he would push authorities to take firm action against extortion and illegal levies at traditional markets so that traders can conduct business safely.
“Traders already struggle to earn a living — they should not be extorted on top of that. We are asking the authorities to act firmly so that markets are safe and the small people’s economy can keep moving,” said the Deputy Chairman of the Gerindra Faction in the House of Representatives.
Andre also raised the importance of local government attention to public purchasing power. He argued that rising prices of basic necessities must be matched with tangible programmes to help ordinary people, such as market operations, price stabilisation, and well-targeted social assistance.
“If prices keep rising while incomes stagnate, the burden on the people grows heavier. We must be present with concrete solutions,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thawaduk Mosque Board Chairman Nasir Natar expressed gratitude for Andre Rosiade’s attention in once again channelling aid to Batang Arau. He said the assistance was greatly anticipated by the community, as economic conditions had not yet fully recovered.
“Thank you to Pak Andre Rosiade for coming directly to Batang Arau. This aid is very helpful, especially at the start of Ramadan when household needs increase. May it be counted as charitable worship and continue in the future,” said Nasir.
A number of residents said they were helped by the food packages, which contained rice, cooking oil, sugar, and other basic necessities. For fishing families and small traders in the Batang Arau area, the assistance serves as an important lifeline amid uncertain incomes.
The staple food distribution in Batang Arau proceeded in an orderly and convivial manner. The event served as a demonstration of social solidarity ahead of Ramadan, where concern for one another strengthens the spirit of community togetherness.