Economic difficulties after her husband passed away, Wida complained to Minister Purbaya's phone number

SURABAYA, UD News - The Tunjungan Street lights were brightly lit that night.

A row of street vendors are lined up on the sidewalk, offering various snacks and drinks for passing residents.

Amidst the commotion, Wida Winarti (58) stood behind a simple refrigerator placed on a table. The refrigerator contained cold drinks priced at Rp 5,000.

Various types and brands of drinks are arranged haphazardly on a small wooden display. From afternoon until morning, this is Wida's livelihood.

"From 4 PM, 5 PM until 6 AM in the morning," said Wida when she was met. UD News At Jalan Tunjungan, Surabaya, Sunday (12/14/2025).

"Tonight I will also sell coffee, usually sitting on the floor here," Wida added while pointing to the front area of her stall.

A middle-aged woman from Tambaksari District shared about the routine she has been following for years.

In the afternoon, she takes care of household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and ensuring her child's needs are met. She only works from late afternoon until morning.

In a day, his income is uncertain. On regular days, he only brings home about Rp 50,000. However, on Saturday nights or during the first of the month, income can reach up to Rp 200,000.

"Usually, Monday is quiet," he said.

When Wida was asked about what made her feel happy, she answered confidently.

"if it's enjoyable, on weekends, on the 1st of the month, or when there's an event here," he said.

Behind her friendly smile while trading and interacting with customers, Wida keeps a sorrow that is still very new. Her husband passed away about two weeks ago.

"my husband just died. This has been about 14 days," she said softly.

Grief is not only about feelings, but also about economics. Wida felt the difference when one source of family income was lost.

"Already calculated, the economy has lost one," he said.

"Otherwise, what can be done?" he concluded while sighing.

Of her five children, only one remains with her now: a son who has just graduated from school and is still single. Wida's other children are already married.

Wida has not been living in her own house. The house she used to live in is now inhabited by her married daughter.

She chose to live in a dormitory next to the house, with the burden of monthly rental fees and bicycle installment payments.

Among all these things, one of the factors that also makes it continue is economic responsibility.

"Yeah, even though the sales salary isn't much, we have to persevere," he said while arranging the drinks inside the refrigerator.

Contacting the Minister of Finance

In a desperate situation, Wida once tried to seek help in an unusual way. About a week after her husband's death, she tried to contact Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa.

"I looked for the phone number of the Minister of Finance, and found it through Google," said Wida.

"I'm complaining because my husband just died, I have to pay installments and rent, the economy is not stable," Wida complained.

The message was replied to. However, according to Wida, it might have been replied by her assistant. She received instructions to handle social assistance through official channels.

"Yes, the mother's salary is small and she deserves assistance," said Wida, imitating the message she received.

Wida admitted that she does not yet have a Family Welfare Card (KKS). Through the message, Wida was directed to visit the local village office and the local Social Affairs Office.

"Ordered to handle it in order to get the social assistance, because my husband just died and the economy is getting like this. It's as if we've lost everything, leaving only the left side," said Wida, her hands moving as she demonstrated.

Because of that, Wida admitted that her current sales are only enough for daily meals.

"this selling money is just enough for daily meals," he said.

At the age of 58, Wida does not have grand dreams. Her hopes are simple: to endure and grow old with a little sense of security.

"What I want is money for my old age," he said.

"There is daily capital for trading, so that I can pay the rent and settle the bicycle installment, and also give money to my child," he said full of hope before he went back to seek his fortune by serving customers with his friendly smile.