'I've Lived Here All My Life, But No President Has Ever Come Here'
The arrival of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, at the railway trackside settlement in Senen, Central Jakarta, on Thursday afternoon (26/3/2026), left a profound impression on the local residents. One of them, Ibu Seger, a resident there, admitted to being deeply moved by Prabowo’s visit to her living environment.
“I’m so happy. I’ve lived here all my life since I was little, and no president has ever come here. So when he came, I felt incredibly happy. The gentleman has given me blessings,” said Ibu Seger, as quoted from a press release by the Government Communication Agency on Friday (27/3/2026).
“Hopefully, the president is granted health and abundant blessings. Thank you, sir, may you be given health and plentiful blessings,” she continued.
Residents living along the railway tracks, according to Ibu Seger, hope that one day they can occupy more decent housing.
“Yes, perhaps for me who has lived here for a long time, if there’s an opportunity like a flat, I’d take it, sir. Maybe I won’t live by the tracks anymore,” she said.
Ibu Seger explained that economic limitations make it difficult for her to rent more decent accommodation.
“Because my livelihood is busking. So for renting, I can’t afford it; my income is just enough. If I rent, I can’t pay, and the landlord would evict me. So I stay here; I hold on,” she said.
Wawan, a busker living in the area, admitted to being moved when he learned that Prabowo had come directly to see their living conditions. Wawan said he initially only heard rumours that an official would inspect the area. However, he did not expect it to be Prabowo.
The joy was not only felt by Wawan. His wife, who was beside him, also admitted to being moved by the visit. In fact, his wife nearly cried because Prabowo graciously visited their settlement area for the first time.
“Initially, there was coordination saying the governor would come. But it turned out to be the president. I just watched from afar; I didn’t get close. Who is the first person in Indonesia? This is the first time anyone has come here,” said Wawan.
He recounted that he has lived in the railway trackside area since childhood. Living in that location is not his choice, but limitations have kept him and his family there.
“My activity is busking. Since I was little, from my great-grandmother’s stories, we’ve lived here. If you say it’s allowed, well, it’s actually not allowed. But we live here,” added Wawan.
Therefore, Prabowo’s visit this time has opened up hope for him to get more decent housing, not only for himself but for all residents living in the area.
“We ask for help with housing so we can live decently. Thank you,” said Wawan.
Roheti, another resident along the tracks, admitted to being very happy when her child got to interact directly with Prabowo. Roheti recounted the moment when Prabowo greeted and kissed her child amid a crowd of residents welcoming him warmly.
“I feel happy; my child got kissed by Mr Prabowo. The president is kind, very helpful. Thank you very much, Mr Prabowo, for kissing my child,” said Roheti with shining, happy eyes while holding her child.