Jakarta, The Indonesia Post – Republic of Indonesia President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) revealed a strategy so that traditional markets can compete with modern markets, namely by having good management so that consumers feel comfortable shopping.
“Improving management. This means that traditional markets must be clean, not seedy,” said President Jokowi after visiting the East Batuphat Market, Lhokseumawe, Aceh, Friday.
If traditional markets have good management, said the President, it will keep market conditions clean. Facilities for visitors at the market will also increase so that consumers feel comfortable.
Furthermore, Jokowi said that in terms of price competition, traditional markets are superior to modern markets. This is partly because sellers in traditional markets are not burdened with electricity costs or high taxes.
“If price competition is sure to win in traditional markets because it’s not taxable, it’s not subject to high electricity costs, it’s not subject to air conditioning, it can compete. It just really needs good management, good arrangement of goods, a clean market, parking lots available. I think all regions must go there,” he said.
Previously, President Jokowi toured the East Batuphat Market to monitor the prices of a number of commodities. According to the President, the condition of prices in the market is well monitored.
“When I go to the market, I always check prices with the governor and mayor, check inflation, check goods and services because this is important, and I see it is good here,” he said.
Apart from checking prices, the Head of State’s visit to the market was also to hand over some cash assistance to the traders. In addition, the President also distributed basic food assistance.
Accompanying the President during his visit to East Batuphat Market were Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir, Acting. Aceh Governor Achmad Marzuki, and Acting. Lhokseumawe Mayor Imran. (mhn/bbs)
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