People's Banquet for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day in Duren Sawit becomes space to boost MSMEs

The People’s Banquet held to commemorate Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day at the East Flood Canal (BKT) floodgate area in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, served as a space to boost micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“These MSMEs are all intended for the community, free from the President, and there are also free basic necessities from the President,” said Duren Sawit Police Chief Commissioner Sutikno in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Culinary offerings from MSME tenants were among the facilities most sought after by the public. According to Sutikno, the presence of MSMEs on Tuesday (18/8) was an important part of the People’s Banquet, which was held on the instruction of President Prabowo Subianto.

“Creating a space for interaction between the community and MSME operators in an atmosphere of independence celebration,” Sutikno said.

In addition to providing entertainment, the event was also designed so that the public could benefit directly through free food, basic necessities, competitions, games, and door prizes.

“The activities are to entertain the people, consisting of traditional competitions such as tug-of-war, cracker-eating contests, and so on,” Sutikno said.

He added that the Duren Sawit sub-district leadership forum (Muspika) also sought to accommodate the implementation of the event as well as possible so that the public could enjoy the entire series of activities safely and comfortably.

“We as Muspika accommodate this order and carry it out as well as possible. We hope the people of Duren Sawit feel entertained,” Sutikno said.

He noted that public enthusiasm had been visible since the morning. The organising committee estimated that around 2,000 to 3,000 residents attended the BKT floodgate area to enjoy the various activities that had been prepared.

Meanwhile, Duren Sawit resident Siska said she was pleased with the People’s Banquet because it provided entertainment as well as an opportunity for the community to enjoy food for free.

“It is quite good and festive for the people of East Jakarta, especially the residents around BKT here. I think this is the first time, it is quite crowded, and overall it is great,” Siska said.

She expressed hope that similar events could be held again in the future so that the benefits would continue to be felt by the community.

“Hopefully it will continue. It is also useful, we can eat for free,” Siska added.