TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi was welcomed by dancers dressed in Petruk puppets as he observed the Covid-19 vaccination at the Bagong Kussudiardja Art Padepokan (PSBK), Bantul, Yogyakarta.

“I deliberately chose Petruk as the character to welcome Bapak (President) and will present a dance performance 'Petruk Divaksin', because our guest is often represented as Petruk,” said the notable artist Butet Kartaredjasa at the venue, as broadcasted on the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel on Wednesday, March 10.

Wearing a white face mask, the President laughed at Butet's statement. “We performed the Petruk dance because metaphorically speaking, the Petruk in Indonesia, has been vaccinated. This Petruk puppet will be vaccinated here,” Butet added.

Joko Widodo was often identified as Petruk who is considered as the people's representative. Since joining the political world, he portrayed himself as a representative for the little people.

After watching the dance performance, the President accompanied the puppet dancers to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. Butet said the music and dance performances held during the mass vaccination reflected creativity that never dies despite the pandemic.

This Covid-19 vaccination program was attended by 517 arts workers from music, dance, fine arts, and traditional to modern art. Jokowi hoped they could keep up the spirit of creativity during the pandemic.

Read: Covid-19 Vaccination Center Opening for Public Is Hoax: SOE Ministry Official

DEWI NURITA