Alfamart Store Closures in Central Lombok Spark Outcry, Retail Boss Explains

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – The chairman of the Indonesian Retail Business Association (Aprindo), Solihin, has clarified recent reports of dozens of Alfamart stores closing in Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). He confirmed all affected stores have now resumed operations.

Solihin stated that the closures were due to violations of store distance regulations. “The stores were temporarily closed because of distance rule violations. That’s the issue. We submitted a formal letter, and the employees’ concerns were raised with the regent and the regional parliament,” he told CNBC Indonesia on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

He explained that some stores had already commenced operations and employed staff, so a temporary solution was to reopen them gradually while awaiting relocation once leases expire. “Once the lease ends, we will relocate if the stores are deemed non-compliant. That’s the plan,” he added.

Solihin also noted that the closures were not solely affecting Alfamart but other retail brands as well. “It wasn’t just Alfamart that closed; other brands were affected too,” he said.

The Minister of Trade, Budi Santoso, had inquired about the situation. “Last night at 10.35pm, the Minister of Trade called me asking the same question. He called twice this morning, but I was busy and couldn’t answer,” Solihin said.

Budi previously stated the issue relates to licensing, which is under local government authority. “Minimarket permits fall under regional government jurisdiction. Establishing a minimarket must comply with detailed spatial planning regulations,” he said during a press briefing at the Ministry of Trade in Jakarta on Monday, 25 May 2026.

The closures sparked public concern after employees staged protests following layoffs, leading to widespread speculation on social media about the reasons behind the store shutdowns.