Rp1,800 Rice and the Smiles That Couldn't Be Sold: Jestham Greets the City with Multiplied Change

Medan City, North Sumatra - (08/01/25) In her tireless efforts to continue sharing, Jesica Thamrin, often affectionately called Jestham, once again brought a surprise to the city's daily routine. This time, carrying several sacks of rice, she offered them at a nearly unbelievable price of just Rp1,800 per sack. But behind that simple number lay a mission of kindness far more valuable, ready to test people's responses and warm the hearts of everyone she met on her journey of giving.

Her first target was a father who worked as an online motorcycle taxi driver (ojol). Innocently and full of enthusiasm, Jestham offered him the rice. However, what she received was a rather blunt rejection. Doubt was clearly visible on the man's face, even when Jestham repeatedly assured him that the price was truly only Rp1,800 for a whole sack of rice.

Yet, fortune soon shifted locations. Jestham found a jamu (traditional herbal drink) seller resting by the roadside. Without much talk, she extended the same offer. The woman's reaction was truly unexpected. Not only did she gladly accept, but she also handed over an amount of money that exceeded the requested price for the rice. “Oh my God, thank you so much, Miss. May you be blessed with abundant fortune,” she said, her voice trembling as she held back tears of emotion. Jestham replied with a prayer, “Keep up the spirit selling your jamu, Ma’am,” before saying goodbye with a warm heart.

Her journey then led her to another ojol driver waiting for an order. With the same question, “Sir, would you like to buy my rice for Rp1,800?” Although he looked confused, the man finally agreed. He pulled out a large bill, saying he didn't have any smaller change. This is where the magic happened. Instead of asking for the difference, Jestham actually gave a change of Rp200,000 directly into the stunned ojol driver's hand. This unexpected windfall carved a broad smile and deep gratitude on the man's face.

Not far from there, a food delivery courier also became part of the day's series of stories. Sincerely, he paid for the rice using an Rp5,000 bill. Yet again, Jestham returned far more than the due amount. Sincere and spontaneous happiness radiated from his expression, proving that simple joy often comes from genuine and unexpected giving.

The final encounter was with another ojol driver who was waiting for an order. “For real, Miss?” he said, his face full of question marks and disbelief, as if Jestham’s offer was a mirage in the bright afternoon sun. His joy and astonishment blended into one when he realized this was reality—a real blessing delivered directly by the hand of God through Jestham.

In every banknote and sack of rice exchanged, Jestham wasn't merely selling a product; she was "selling" hope, spreading the belief that where there is kindness, there is unexpected fortune. Every smile and tear of gratitude she collected today is a reminder that sustenance has many paths and often comes in ways we never anticipate. “Not everything always goes according to our plans; just believe that God's plan is the best.” May every ounce of our perseverance and kindness always be repaid with blessings.