Attending People's Banquet in Kalijodo, Gus Ipul Distributes Staple Food Packages to Residents
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) attended the People’s Banquet at Kalijodo Hall, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, today. On this occasion, he engaged in dialogue with residents and handed out staple food package assistance.
The People’s Banquet is an activity organised by the Ministry of State Secretariat as part of the 81st Independence Day commemoration series. The event was held at 40 densely populated residential locations across Jakarta today.
“Alhamdulillah, the People’s Banquet, which is a follow-up to the President’s directive, went well today. I was one of those assigned to meet residents here. I see a joyful, harmonious and united atmosphere,” said Gus Ipul in his statement, Tuesday (18/8/2026).
Gus Ipul said the activity is a form of gratitude for Independence Day and part of the government’s spirit to bring independence commemorations closer to the people.
According to him, the harmonious and united atmosphere at this location is an asset for moving towards a better Indonesia.
“This is a great asset for us to move towards a more sovereign, more just and more prosperous Indonesia. That is our hope,” he explained.
Various activities were held during the People’s Banquet, ranging from a bazaar, free food, free health checks, to the distribution of staple food assistance.
Gus Ipul hopes all these activities can help the community, both economically and in terms of health.
“All of this is aimed at making the community happier by reducing their spending burden. For example, if there is free food now, it certainly reduces the spending burden. If staple food packages are provided later, that also reduces the spending burden. In this way, it is hoped that this will foster a sense of happiness among us,” he explained.
Gus Ipul stressed that no social assistance for the community should be cut. He said President Prabowo Subianto has also reminded all parties to distribute assistance in full and on target.
“Ladies and gentlemen, do not accept it if your assistance is cut. That is the directive of President Prabowo. No one is allowed to cut social assistance. It must be the right amount, on time, and spent according to regulations,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Penjaringan Deputy Sub-district Head Nurharyanto revealed that a total of around 5,600 free staple food packages were distributed to residents in Penjaringan Sub-district at the People’s Banquet.
“And at this location (Kalijodo), around 2,800 free staple food packages were distributed. Then, alhamdulillah, thank you Minister, there was also an additional 1,500 packages for residents, particularly perhaps in Pejagalan Urban Village,” he said.
During the People’s Banquet, Gus Ipul also took time to talk with residents. One of them was Ayu Lestari, an eighth-grade student from Mutiara Hati School.
Ayu shared that her parents, Iman and Yana, work as soto traders to meet the family’s daily needs.
“Why did I ask about her parents? Because we must be proud of our parents. Whoever our parents are, we must be proud of them,” Gus Ipul advised.
At the event, a ninth-grade student from SMPN 112 Jakarta, Febri Nurahelia, demonstrated her public speaking skills before Gus Ipul. In her speech, Febri raised the theme of independence.
According to Febri, the independence currently enjoyed by society was achieved through the hard work and struggle of the heroes.
“The heroes fought with courage, sacrifice and unity to realise an independent Indonesia. As the younger generation, our task is no longer to fight against colonisers, but to fill independence by studying seriously, maintaining unity, respecting differences, and providing achievements and positive contributions to the nation,” she said.
“Let us make the 17 August commemoration not just a ceremonial event, but a reminder to continue maintaining the spirit of unity and continuing the struggle of the heroes. Long live the 81st Republic of Indonesia,” Febri added.
Febri admitted she was initially afraid and nervous about delivering her speech. However, she overcame that fear.
“Because if we are not brave, when else will we try to be free for a more advanced and golden Indonesia,” Febri concluded.
Also present at the event were Director General of Social Empowerment at the Ministry of Social Affairs Mira Riyati Kurniasih, Director of Social Protection for Victims of Social and Non-Natural Disasters Adrianus Alla, and Pejagalan Urban Village Head Wisnu Irhusnah.