Ciledug traders reluctant to move to new market

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of traders whose kiosks in Ciledug market were burned during the May riots have refused to move to a new market built nearby due to the high price of the kiosks there.

"The kiosks cost Rp 34 million (US$3,090) each. That's too expensive," one of the traders, who asked not to be named, said on Friday, urging the market developer to lower the price.

The trader said most vendors preferred to erect makeshift tents along Jl. Cokroaminoto to sell their merchandises rather than move to the new market, which is located near the new but still deserted Ciledug bus terminal.

"How can we sell our goods in the new market if the area is empty of customers?" he said.

Asep, an official at the new terminal, said the crews of public transportation vehicles were also reluctant to enter the terminal due to an absence of passengers there.

"We hope the local coordinating agency of traffic affairs sets the chaotic situation right as soon as possible," he said.

The new market was built by PT Dian Bermakna Utama at a cost of Rp 12 billion. It is designed to accommodate 5,000 traders whose kiosks near the Ciledug Plaza area were destroyed during the May riots.

The market, recently inaugurated by Tangerang Mayor Djakaria Machmud, covers 7,149 square meters and holds 105 kiosks, 105 small counters and 167 market stalls. It was built on a 23,199- square-meter plot of land, where the new terminal and other supporting facilities stand.

Wayan, a marketing executive of Dian Bermakna Utama, said the traders' reluctance to move to the new market was possibly also due to the operation of 42 illegal kiosks near the terminal.

"The local authorities have reportedly given several warnings to the illegal kiosk owners to move away, but nothing has happened," he said.

Djakaria had urged Dian Mermakna Utama recently to pay more attention to victims of the May riots in order to coax them away from doing business along Jl. Cokroaminoto.

Their presence along the street has caused heavy traffic jams in the area, he said.

Djakaria urged the company to hold a meeting with representatives of the traders to seek a more affordable price for the kiosks.

A speedy relocation of the traders is expected to help reinvigorate economic activities in the area, he said.

He said the Tangerang mayoralty had provided special incentives for businesspeople to rebuild their burned supermarkets, including an exemption of levy collections. (41/hhr)