Covid-19 Pandemic and E-Commerce Erode Snake Market's Glory
JAKARTA — The sound of haggling between buyers and sellers no longer fills the corridors of Pasar Ular (Snake Market) in Plumpang, Koja, North Jakarta, on a daily basis. The footsteps of competing shoppers hunting for luxury and affordable goods are rarely seen in this traditional textile market. The shop window displays that once attracted crowds now stand empty.
“The decline began in 2001. It’s not that the quality of goods here decreased, but perhaps buyers’ salaries didn’t increase or other factors, and so it has continued year after year,” said Maman when reached by Kompas.com at the location on Friday, 6 March 2026.
Amid declining consumer purchasing power, Pasar Ular’s situation deteriorated further when the Covid-19 pandemic struck Indonesia in 2020. At that time, government restrictions on activities outside the home forced Pasar Ular to close its doors.
Yet during its heyday, around 1995 under President Suharto’s leadership, Pasar Ular experienced its golden era, drawing customers from various backgrounds, including top-tier celebrities. “Celebrities like Rhoma Irama, Elvie Sukaesi, Mansyur S, and Jaja Mihardja would often visit. They would buy clothes, belts, wallets, and perfumes,” Maman added.
During that prosperous period, he regularly earned approximately 2 million rupiahs per day in revenue, but now the figure has dropped dramatically.
Beyond the Covid-19 pandemic, the proliferation of e-commerce or online trade in Indonesia has gradually eroded Pasar Ular’s former glory. However, Maman perseveres, confident that the quality of his merchandise—including watches, bags, belts, and other items—maintains good standards and continues to attract traders.
Every day, Maman still frequently serves customers, though not with the same vigour as before. Meanwhile, he is also attempting to transform by leveraging technology to reach more buyers.
“I’ve tried online trading to maintain my income. My son manages the online business for me,” Maman said. “As for me, I’m not particularly familiar with the technology. I tried once but found it difficult and wasn’t comfortable with it,” he added when visited at the location on Friday.