Disaster-affected residents shop for Eid needs at Kayu Pasak market in Agam

Agam Regency — Kayu Pasak market in Nagari Salareh Aia, Palembayan District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, was crowded with disaster-affected residents on the final operating day of the market ahead of Idul Fitri 2026.

The bustle was evident from Wednesday morning, with brisk buying and selling activities as shoppers arrived from various affected areas, including temporary shelter settlements (Huntara) approximately 200 metres from the market.

Despite the region being struck by a hydrometeorological disaster in late November 2025, residents’ enthusiasm for welcoming Eid remained strong. They took advantage of the final market day to fulfil their holiday needs.

One of the vendor stalls that attracted significant buyer traffic was Ilas’s stall, which sells traditional dried cakes for Eid.

Ilas, who has been in the business for nine years, reported a significant surge in sales on the market’s final day. She estimated revenue increased more than twofold compared to the previous week.

“Last Wednesday was approximately 3 million rupiah, now there are many customers, perhaps 5 to 7 million rupiah,” said Ilas.

The prices of cakes offered ranged between 60,000 and 80,000 rupiah per kilogramme. Traditional cakes were more sought-after than modern varieties, with hard sponge cake becoming one of the best-selling products.

During the Ramadhan period through to Eid, revenue for traders in this sector ranged between 8 and 10 million rupiah.

“Many people buy spices for marandang (traditional Minangkabau dish). Galangal, ginger, turmeric, garlic, purchasing 5,000 rupiah each. Chilli, people usually buy by the kilogramme,” said Rahman.

Flash floods and landslides in Palembayan District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra in late November 2025 had severe impacts. A total of 217 units in Palembayan District experienced the most severe damage, and 136 people were confirmed dead.