Magelang – Hundreds of residents of Bandongan District, Central Java, on Monday (29/1) were delighted when President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Defense Minister 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 Magelang Military Academy (Akmil). They sat together facing each other and each enjoyed a portion of meatballs with coconut water.
While Jokowi and Prabowo were seen chatting while eating the famous meatballs in Bandongan, the gathered residents were busy capturing the moment. They also shouted and greeted each other, trying to get the attention of the defense minister.
“I love you, Pak Prabowo,” shouted the young women in the crowd. There were also middle-aged men and young people shouting Prabowo’s name to get his attention and be approached by the defense minister.
“Minister of Defense, Minister of Defense! Shake hands, Sir! I haven’t got a chance on this side yet,” said a young man in a black t-shirt while raising his hands enthusiastically.
One of the native residents of Bandongan, Risma (33), said she was very happy to have the opportunity to see Jokowi and Prabowo. It was her first time meeting both of them in person, as she usually only saw them on television and social media.
“I’m very happy. I got to shake hands with Prabowo,” said Risma.
She thought that Prabowo’s personality was similar to Jokowi’s, which is warm and friendly to the people. “Turns out that he’s just like Jokowi, really friendly to the people,” she said.
Risma also hoped that in the future, if Prabowo was entrusted to become president, he would be able to succeed the programs initiated by Jokowi. Additionally, it is important to always remember the people.
“Only Pak Prabowo can continue Pak Jokowi’s programs. I support that. I hope he continues to be close to the people,” she said. (SENOPATI)
