Magelang – Hundreds of residents of the Bandongan District, Central Java, on Monday (29/1) joined in the joy when President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto stopped by 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 hall building of the Military Academy (Akmil) Magelang. They sat at the same table facing each other and each enjoyed a portion of meatballs, accompanied by young coconut water.
At the moment when Jokowi and Prabowo were seen chatting while eating the most famous meatballs in Bandongan, the gathered residents were scrambling to capture the moment. They were also shouting and shaking hands when Prabowo arrived. “I love you, Mr. Prabowo,” shouted the young women in the crowd.
There were also several men and young people shouting Prabowo’s name to get attention and be approached by the defense minister.
“Mr. Minister of Defense, Mr. Minister of Defense! Handshake, Sir! Over here (has not got a chance),” 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 today to have the opportunity to see Jokowi and Prabowo. It was the first time she had met them in person, as she usually only saw them on television or on social media videos.
“I’m so happy. I even got to shake hands (with Prabowo),” said Risma.
She thought that Prabowo’s figure was similar to Jokowi’s, warm and friendly towards the people. “(It turns out that) just like Jokowi, (Prabowo) is really friendly to the people,” she said.
Risma also hoped that in the future, if Prabowo were to be entrusted as president, he could successfully continue the programs that Jokowi had initiated. And most importantly, he should continue to remember the people.
“Only Mr. Prabowo who can continue Mr. Jokowi’s programs. I support that. I hope he can still be close to the people,” she said. (SENOPATI)
