Magelang – Hundreds of residents of the Bandongan District, Central Java, on Monday (29/1) joined in the excitement when President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto stopped to eat meatball together at one of the street food stalls.
Jokowi and Prabowo arrived at Bakso Pak Sholeh Bandongan stall after inaugurating the main building of the Military Academy (Akmil) in Magelang. They sat at the same table facing each other and each ate a portion of meatballs, accompanied by young coconut water.
While Jokowi and Prabowo were chatting while eating the most famous meatballs in Bandongan, the gathered residents jostled to capture the moment. Not only that, since Prabowo arrived, they shouted to greet and shake hands. “I love you, Mr. Prabowo,” shouted the young women in the crowd.
There were also several men and youth shouting Prabowo’s name to get attention and be approached by the Minister of Defense.
“Mr. Minister, Mr. Minister! Shake hands, Sir! Over here (hasn’t got one),” said a young man in a black t-shirt while raising his hands with enthusiasm.
One native Bandongan resident, Risma (33), said she was very happy to have the opportunity to see Jokowi and Prabowo today. This was the first time she had met them in person, as she usually only saw them on television and social media videos.
“So happy. I even got to shake hands (with Prabowo),” said Risma.
She thought Prabowo’s figure was similar to Jokowi’s, warm and friendly to the people. “It turns out that he is just like Mr. Jokowi, (Prabowo) is really friendly to the people,” she said.
Risma also hoped that in the future, if Prabowo was entrusted to become president, he could successfully implement the programs initiated by Jokowi. And most importantly, to always remember the people.
“Only Mr. Prabowo who can continue Mr. Jokowi’s programs. I support him. I hope he will still be close to the people,” she said. (SENOPATI)
