Finance Minister Purbaya Inspects Markets in Yogyakarta Ahead of Eid, Unexpectedly Discovers This

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa visited the Teras Malioboro street vendor centre and Pasar Beringharjo in Yogyakarta city. The visit, accompanied by the Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, was to ensure that traditional markets remain vibrant. “We want to see if traditional markets are really dead; it turns out it’s still crowded here,” he stated via his Instagram social media account on Wednesday (18/3/2026). Purbaya said the economic turnover in traditional markets in the area is quite high, reaching Rp 2 trillion per year. This proves the economy has gradually improved, although it has not yet reached maximum conditions. “Here, it’s up to Rp 2 trillion a year. And lately, it’s getting busier, busier, busier,” he revealed. He hopes that in the future, traditional markets can become the driving force of the economy, of course with support for financing access. “Earlier, some traders asked if they could get cheap loans. But I asked the management here, they already collaborate with finance. So the funds are sufficient,” he said. During his visit, he also interacted with batik traders offering their wares. According to him, the prices of the products sold are quite commensurate with their quality. He added that although economic recovery is not 100% even across all traders, the signs of the nation’s economic revival are evident due to the lively buying and selling activities. Purbaya was once approached by a group of mothers protesting the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme. The parents asked for the MBG to be stopped. Purbaya received the complaint and will convey it to President Prabowo Subianto.