Governor Khofifah Concludes Idul Fitri 1447 H Riyayan Series with 250 Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers, Emphasising Care and Appreciation for Informal Sector Workers
Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa concluded the Idul Fitri 1447 H riyayan series by engaging in silaturahim with 250 online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers at her Jemursari residence in Surabaya on Monday (23/3). This event served as a manifestation of care and appreciation for informal sector workers.
The gathering unfolded in a warm, friendly, and communal atmosphere. From 6:00 p.m. WIB, the ojol drivers began arriving and enjoyed various culinary dishes from MSMEs and street vendors. The drivers appeared to relish the moment as a space to unwind, while also strengthening bonds of silaturahim during the Lebaran festivities.
The warmth intensified upon Governor Khofifah’s arrival, as she greeted each driver personally. With a humanistic approach, she mingled without barriers and conveyed her appreciation for the crucial role of ojol drivers as family warriors who support community mobility and the regional economy daily.
“Thank you all for coming. Alhamdulillah, tonight we can engage in silaturahim in an atmosphere full of brotherhood and togetherness. You all are family warriors who every day provide benefits to many people,” said Khofifah.
Khofifah added that the Idul Fitri momentum is an opportune time to mutually strengthen and share joy, particularly for informal sector workers who continue their activities amid the festive atmosphere.
The togetherness became even more memorable when Khofifah joined in celebrating the birthdays of several ojol drivers and their family members by personally handing over cakes, while praying for blessings upon them.
“May Allah ease all our affairs, may our children be righteous and pious, may our lives be beneficial and blessed, blessed East Java, blessed Indonesia,” she stated.
The event received positive responses from the drivers. Yuliawati, a representative of online motorcycle taxi drivers from the Surabaya-Sidoarjo region, expressed her gratitude for attending the event with her colleagues.
“We truly feel Mother Khofifah’s kindness. From the start of our journey, we were guided, and upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed with delicious food. Alhamdulillah, we could also bring our children, making it a real family moment. Thank you, this Lebaran has become very memorable,” she shared.
The woman, affectionately known as Mbok Mak, also assessed Governor Khofifah’s leadership as providing tangible attention, especially for female drivers who often serve as the family’s economic backbone.
“She is very attentive. Her programmes feel real in helping us, especially female ojol drivers who are many the main support for family economies. We hope this support continues so we can live better,” she added.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Wiwin Triarini, an ojol driver from Sidoarjo, who felt delighted to experience the communal atmosphere directly during Lebaran.
“I’m so happy to gather like this, eat good food, meet friends, and meet Mother Governor directly. Thank you for opening your home to us all,” she said.
In addition to its social impact, the event also provided economic benefits for small business actors in the vicinity. Hadi, a beverage vendor, reported increased sales during the gathering.
“Thank you, Mother Governor Khofifah. With this event, we small vendors also feel the blessings. Sales have been bustling,” he said.
Sumarsih, a snack vendor, echoed the same, having experienced an income boost from this Idul Fitri Lebaran riyayan activity.
“Alhamdulillah, the results are decent, enough for additional Eid travel funds. Thank you, Mother Governor Khofifah,” she concluded.
As the finale of the series, Governor Khofifah distributed sangu and basic foodstuff packages to the ojol drivers and attendees.