Meatball Vendor Gives Gift to Central Java Governor in Appreciation of Free Mudik Programme
A gesture of appreciation came from Lulik Setiyawan, a meatball vendor from Karanganyar Regency who presented a pack of bakso to Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi in gratitude for being able to participate in the programme. The moment occurred when Luthfi greeted participants of the Free Mudik programme of the Central Java provincial government at the Purna Bhakti Pertiwi Museum, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII), Jakarta, on Monday (16/3).
At that time, Luthfi was visiting and greeting the mudik participants on bus number 21 heading to Karanganyar Regency. During a conversation with the passengers, Luthfi was suddenly offered a pack of bakso.
“What is your occupation? How many times have you joined the free mudik?” Luthfi asked.
Lulik replied that he works as a street meatball vendor, specifically in the South Jakarta area. He shared that he had been participating in the free mudik programme from the Central Java provincial government since 2016 and had managed to save money for his family’s transportation costs home to Karanganyar.
He then presented a pack of bakso that had been specially prepared for Luthfi. The meatball pack was an expression of gratitude for organising the free mudik programme every year.
“Sir, apologies. I have specially prepared this for you, Governor,” Lulik said.
Luthfi accepted the pack of bakso with laughter. He also responded by giving a package of snacks as provisions for the journey.
“Great, I’ve been given bakso. Will you join the free Return to Homeland programme next time as well? You can save money. What’s important is that you’re happy and healthy,” Luthfi said.
Stories of Migrants Working in Jakarta
When encountered at the location, Lulik shared that he had moved to Jakarta after finishing school. Initially, he accompanied his parents, who were also working there.
Previously, he worked odd jobs and helped his parents sell bakso. Later, he married and decided to sell meatballs independently as a street vendor. Meanwhile, his wife sells traditional herbal medicine.
“I’ve been selling for almost 25 years. I started with my parents here, then did various jobs, and then began selling meatballs on my own after getting married in 2012,” Lulik explained.
Lulik’s gross monthly income from selling meatballs averages approximately 5 million rupiah. This amount is still reduced by capital costs, housing rent, daily meals, and electricity and water bills.
“Monthly rent is 800,000 rupiah, and when you add food costs, electricity, and water, the total per month can reach 1 million rupiah,” he explained.
From this modest income, he still needs to save for his child’s school fees. During the Eid season, expenses increase significantly because he must return to his hometown. The highest burden is naturally the bus fare to Karanganyar, which during Eid can reach 600,000 rupiah per person.
“The free mudik programme is extremely helpful for my family. I have been participating since 2016 if I’m not mistaken. At first, registration was by queuing at the Central Java Liaison Office, and now I can register through the Jateng Ngopeni Nglakoni (JNN) application,” said Lulik.
The story of life as a migrant was also shared by Bejo Fauzan, a meatball vendor in the Tanah Kusir area of Jakarta. Bejo said he had been working as a migrant and selling Solo meatballs since 1994.
Initially, Bejo started selling as a street vendor using a carrying pole. Then he used a bicycle, followed by a pushcart for selling, then opened a modest roadside restaurant, and eventually was able to rent a building in the Tanah Kusir area.
“I’ve only been here for four years. Previously, the shop was attached in front there. This building used to be for a cheap eatery restaurant. When the warung ceased operations, I moved in (to rent it). The monthly rent is 3.5 million rupiah. Income can reach 6-7 million rupiah per month,” said the resident from Jatiyoso, Karanganyar Regency.
Despite having migrated for decades, it was only this year that Bejo and his family participated in the free mudik programme organised by the Central Java provincial government. In previous years, he was not aware of the programme’s existence.
Every time he returned home, he had to dig deep into his pocket just to purchase a ticket costing 600,000 rupiah per person. “I only found out this year from Mas Lulik. I then asked him to help register my family. I am so grateful for this free mudik programme. The money saved can be used to buy milk for my child and provisions for Eid in my hometown,” he concluded.