Surprise Visit by Prabowo in Senen Welcomed with Enthusiasm by Residents
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The presence of President Prabowo Subianto, who directly inspected the densely populated settlement along the Senen railway tracks in Jakarta on Thursday afternoon, surprised residents because it was not announced beforehand.
In an official statement from the Government Communication Agency in Jakarta on Thursday, upon arriving at the location, the President stepped out of his vehicle and greeted the public. Residents from various backgrounds appeared enthusiastic, approaching to shake hands and directly convey their aspirations.
One resident, Nur Hanifah, admitted to being moved by the opportunity to meet the President in person. She said she had left her cooking activity at home after learning of the Head of State’s arrival.
“I was cooking in the kitchen, so I rushed out. There’s the President, the President. Wow, my father, handsome father. When I came out, I kissed his hand,” she said.
On that occasion, Nur Hanifah also expressed her hope to the President that government assistance programmes would continue.
A similar sentiment was shared by another resident, Yana, who hoped that social assistance programmes such as the Family Hope Programme (PKH) would continue, as well as support for children through the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme.
“MBG, basically so that schoolchildren can keep going like this, because most people here are below the poverty line. Let it continue, and as a housewife, it’s for the schoolchildren,” said Yana.
An emotional story also came from Wawan, a clown busker, who admitted he could barely hold back his emotions upon seeing the President’s arrival in his residential area.
“I’m touched, almost cried when I heard. This is the first time someone’s come here; it feels something, happy in my heart,” said Wawan.
Meanwhile, Cono, a scavenger who is also a resident of the area, admitted to having a direct conversation with the President. He recalled the moment as spontaneous and unexpected.
To the President, Cono also expressed his hopes regarding the limited housing he and the surrounding residents face.
“Mr Prabowo said, would you like a high-rise building? I said yes, sir, because I don’t have much living space. That’s how it is,” he said.
President Prabowo’s presence in Kramat Ward was not merely a visit, but this moment served as tangible proof that the state is directly present among the people by greeting, listening, and responding.
In the narrow alley that is usually quiet from attention, that afternoon turned into a space of hope and a place where the people felt seen, heard, and cared for by their leader.