Jakarta residents enthusiastically flock to free grocery packs at Monas People's Bazaar

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Thousands of Jakarta residents and those from surrounding areas enthusiastically crowded the National Monument (Monas) area in Jakarta to obtain free grocery packages at the People’s Bazaar event held on Saturday afternoon. “Thank you, as this helps people in need with these groceries, and for free too,” said Endang Jasmani, a daily wage worker at Polda Metro Jaya, when met at the location. Endang admitted to queuing from 1:00 p.m. WIB until 4:30 p.m. WIB to get the aid package. She received a distribution coupon from her workplace and used the opportunity to take her wife and child sightseeing. According to Endang, the package she received greatly assisted her family’s kitchen needs after Eid. She detailed that the aid contained rice, cooking oil, eggs, and even chicken meat. “There are non-grocery items too, like shoes, sandals, and clothes,” Endang added. Similar joy was felt by Negsih Rosiyana, a Dasawisma cadre from Rawa Terate Ward, Cakung Subdistrict. Negsih came to the location with a group of 15 people using TransJakarta bus transportation. Negsih explained that the grocery package she received consisted of 5 kg of rice, one litre of oil, 15 eggs, one kg of sugar, and one can of sardines. She also received footwear that she plans to use for cadre official activities. “The shoes will be used for cadre invitation events,” said Negsih. Despite having to jostle with other residents since 12:30 p.m. WIB, Negsih admitted she was still happy with the government’s attention. She hopes that aid distribution activities like this can be held again next year. “I’m glad there’s an event like this; hopefully there will be one again next year,” said Negsih. Previously, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya stated that President Prabowo Subianto wants as many residents as possible to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah in a spirit of togetherness through the people’s bazaar. The government prepared 100,000 free shopping coupons worth Rp500,000 each and 300,000 free meals for the public.