The Excitement of a Mini Concert by Street Musicians in Front of Social Affairs Minister Risma

JAKARTA (August 29, 2024) - Energetic music could be heard in the side yard of the Ministry of Social Affairs. Around 300 employees in white uniforms occasionally sang along to the cheerful and upbeat music. Although only accompanied by guitars, basses, and violins from street musicians, the atmosphere was very exciting and full of joy.

Hundreds of employees sat on chairs, and some stood, all enjoying the music together under the shade of shady trees and surrounded by ornamental plants arranged by Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini which added to the enjoyment of singing together. Minister Risma sat mingling in the place with the employees of the Ministry of Social Affairs. There was no distance, no barriers, and very friendly.

This minister, who is known for her simplicity, while sitting mingling occasionally sang and clapped with other employees. The atmosphere was very relaxed, and exciting, and everyone looked happy.  While enjoying the song in the middle of the mini-concert, Risma told all employees that one of the street musicians was a mother with three children. "Her struggle is extraordinary; you can imagine how hard it is. So, I invited her here to entertain all my friends," said Minister Risma. Without strict protocols, the street musicians were given a place to perform as is under a shady tree. Minister Risma sat in front of the street musicians who began to play various songs ranging from pop to dangdut. "This is the first time I have seen Mrs. Risma close up. It turns out she likes to joke, is very kind, and cares about others," said Danu Nurjaya (39), one of the musicians who performed in front of Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini. Danu and his three friends, Sandi Rizkayadi (35), Eni Komalasari (34), and Aza Faiza Aziz (28) were at Jalan Pramuka Jakarta when Minister Risma passed in front of them.  They were then asked by Minister Risma to come to her office to entertain the employees.

The leadership staff and employees of the Ministry of Social Affairs also sat around the street musicians. Everyone was immersed in the strains of songs ranging from Rungkad, Tua-tua Keladi, ABG Tua, Jika Cinta Dia, Sekali Indah, Kemesraan, Yogyakarta, Kisah Kasih di Sekolah, and other popular songs. Not only performing music and singing songs, but the street musicians also received various assistance from Minister Risma, including school uniforms for their children. It was even more meaningful when the musicians' identities were recorded to be included in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) which after being assessed could receive social assistance.

"I didn't expect to meet Mrs. Risma. Performing singing and then receiving various assistance," said Sandi who is very good at playing the violin. "Thank you Mrs. Risma. This morning my child whined, asking for school fees of IDR 350,000.  "It turns out that God's help came through Mrs. Risma and the amount was very excessive. Thank you Mrs. Risma," said Eni Komalasari, while holding the aid money from Minister Risma.