Iriana Jokowi Carries Child during Campaign; Team Explains Why

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Video footage displaying Iriana Jokowi carrying a child during a public campaign in Gebang Market Fishery Port, Cirebon regency, on April 5, went viral on social media.

In the 2-minutes and 19-seconds video, Iriana, who was standing behind the presidential hopeful Joko Widodo or Jokowi, walked to the front of the stage, took a kid and carried him to the backstage. Iriana then came back, took another child near the front stage, and then went back to the backstage again. The lady took the two children to a place with more shade.

Jokowi, who was campaigning his programs, responded to his wife’s initiative. “Do not bring children for a campaign, it’s not allowed,” he underlined.

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The Jokowi - Ma’ruf campaign team director Maman Imanulhaq recalled the impressive moment. He was touched by Iriana’s responsive act when seeing children during the campaign event.

“Honestly, I was touched by her [Iriana] responsive act in protecting the children,” Maman told Tempo on Sunday, April 7.

Maman explained that Iriana carried the children fondly and took mineral water for them. Before the movement, he went on, Iriana busily reminded mothers carrying a kid to not getting close to the stage.

Thus, Iriana Jokowi took an initiative to bring the children to a more spacious place, at the right side of the stage. “She situates the children in the place wherein their parents could keep sight to their kids. Such a loving act in protecting children,” Maman added.

FRISKI RIANA