Street Musicians Feel Like Dreaming When Asked to Perform in Front of Social Affairs Minister Risma

JAKARTA (August 29, 2024) – Street musicians who usually play music on Jalan Pramuka Jakarta, never imagined that they would get a rare opportunity to perform in front of the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini. Their performance at the Ministry of Social Affairs Head Office, Central Jakarta, was an unforgettable moment for the musicians who usually entertain the public in the corners of Jakarta City.

“I was pleased to meet the Minister. I know from the media that the Minister is fierce. Still, it turns out she can be that chill,” said Aza Faiza Aziz (24), one of the musicians after finishing her performance at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Jakarta, Wednesday (8/28). Aza initially felt nervous because it was her first time performing in front of a state official. However, her nervousness disappeared when Minister Risma joked with her. “Risma turned out to be very nurturing. I felt there was no distance between the official and us,” she added.

Aza also expressed her admiration for the Minister, who she considered a solution-oriented figure. She witnessed firsthand how her friend's life changed after meeting the Minister. Her friend, who was previously a silver human, now has a better life as an online motorcycle taxi driver. On that occasion, Aza, who was the vocalist, performed with three other street musicians, namely Danu Nurjaya (39) and Eni Komalasari (39) who played the guitar, and Sandi Riskayadi (35) who played the violin.

Eni also had a deep impression of Social Affairs Minister Risma. For her, Minister Risma is a spontaneous figure. "Suddenly someone came from the Ministry of Social Affairs. I thought they were going to raid us. But it turned out we were asked to perform," said the mother of three. In line with Eni, Danu also expressed his positive impression of Minister Risma. Their meeting today (28/8) proved what he saw in the media. The father of two often saw Minister Risma going around looking for people who needed help.  He once hoped that one day he would meet Minister Risma and his life would change. The day he had hoped for finally came true. "Earlier I was asked what I wanted. I said I wanted to start a business," said Danu, who became a street musician because he was laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the performance of the four street musicians transformed the Ministry of Social Affairs head office on Jalan Salemba, Central Jakarta into a mini garden concert. This impromptu concert during break time immediately attracted the enthusiasm of employees to watch the music and even sing along and give enthusiastic applause. The atmosphere was full of intimacy and togetherness. There was no distance or barrier between the Minister of Social Affairs and her employees.

For street musicians, the opportunity to perform at the Ministry of Social Affairs office was not just to entertain employees. More than that, the opportunity was interpreted as a smart effort by Minister Risma to raise the dignity of street musicians. This step also indirectly motivated street musicians to improve their musical abilities. "Thank you, Mrs. Risma, you have cared so much and paid attention to us," said Eni, a mother of three who was very happy and proud to meet Minister Risma.