Cabinet Secretary Apologises for Long Queues at People's Bazaar in Monas

The public enthusiastically crowded the People’s Bazaar event at the National Monument (Monas) area, resulting in long queues to exchange vouchers for groceries and clothing. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya expressed apologies for the discomfort experienced by the public due to the lengthy queues.

“Then earlier, we apologised for the queuing. We had actually opened many doors, but indeed, the high enthusiasm led to somewhat long queues,” said Teddy after inspecting the event at Monas, Central Jakarta, on Saturday night (28/3/2026).

He stated that despite the crowds, the event proceeded smoothly overall, including in terms of security. The government also provided various facilities to ensure visitor comfort while waiting.

“But there was food and drinks. Earlier, I asked them one by one, and the residents understood that it’s okay to queue, as it also allows them to enjoy the Monas night atmosphere, the lights, music, and so on,” he explained.

Teddy mentioned that this event was the first to be held in the Monas area post-Eid, following instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to prolong the festive spirit of the holiday for the public. Previously, similar events had been held at the Palace and received a high response from the public.

“Then, the President wanted to keep the joyful Eid atmosphere going, so an event like this was created,” said Teddy.

In the event, the government distributed around 100,000 vouchers worth Rp500,000 each, which could be exchanged for various necessities, from groceries to items like clothing, shoes, bags, school supplies, and worship tools. These products came from micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) brought in from various trading centres in the Jabodetabek region, such as Tanah Abang Market, Senen Market, and Ular Market.

Additionally, around 1,000 street vendors were involved to provide free food and drinks, with a total of about 300,000 portions prepared for visitors.

Teddy added that the high public interest would serve as material for the government’s evaluation for future implementations, including the possibility of making similar events a regular agenda.

“This is the first time, of course, the President wants the best, so it will definitely be routine,” he added.

A resident of Tambora, West Jakarta, named Maisaroh, also enjoyed the government-organised event. She admitted to queuing for about four hours to exchange her voucher.

“Queued at 2 pm, and only finished now (afternoon). More than 4 hours, have to be patient,” said Maisaroh when met.

Nevertheless, she stated that the contents of the distributed groceries were very useful for daily needs.

“There are eggs, oil, rice, chicken, koko shirts and mukenah. Alhamdulillah, blessed, happy. The groceries are really needed for daily necessities,” she concluded.