Magelang – Hundreds of residents of Bandongan District, Central Java, on Monday (29/1) were overjoyed when President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto stopped to eat meatball soup 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 together, facing each other, and each enjoyed a portion of urat meatball soup, accompanied by young coconut water.
While Jokowi and Prabowo were seen chatting while eating the most famous meatball soup in Bandongan, the gathered residents jostled to capture the moment. Not only that, since Prabowo arrived, they shouted to greet and shake hands with him. “I love you, Mr. Prabowo,” shouted the young women in the crowd.
There were also some men and young people shouting Prabowo’s name to get his attention and be approached by the defense minister.
“Mr. Minister of Defense, Mr. Minister! Shake hands, Sir! Over here (didn’t get a turn)!” said a young man in a black t-shirt, raising both his hands with enthusiasm.
One native resident of Bandongan, Risma (33), said she was very happy today to have the opportunity to see Jokowi and Prabowo. It was her first time meeting them in person, as she usually only saw them on television and social media.
“I’m so happy. I even got to shake hands (with Prabowo),” said Risma.
She believed that Prabowo is similar to Jokowi, warm and friendly towards the people. “(Turns out) he’s just like Jokowi, (Prabowo) is really friendly to the people,” she said.
Risma also hoped that in the future, if Prabowo is entrusted to be president, he can successfully continue the programs initiated by Jokowi. And most importantly, he must always remember the people.
“Only Mr. Prabowo can continue Mr. Jokowi’s programs. I support him. I hope he will still be close to the people,” she said. (SENOPATI)
