Finance Minister Receives Complaints from Tanah Abang Traders: "Business is Slower Than Last Year"

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Finance Minister (Menkeu) Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa received complaints from traders whilst visiting Tanah Abang Market in Central Jakarta on Monday (9 March 2026).

One complaint came from a hijab vendor at Tanah Abang. The hijab vendor whom Purbaya visited claimed business was slow among wholesale buyers.

“Usually, this time of week is already bustling,” she complained.

After complaining, she even called out to Purbaya: “Sir Purbaya, improve Indonesia’s economy!”

Purbaya promptly approached the hijab vendor and directly asked her: “Slow?”

“Yes, slow. When I show up, then it will be busy,” he said jokingly.

“It’s slow, sir, compared to last year,” the vendor replied. “Please fix it, sir,” she added.

Purbaya responded: “Perhaps I was late yesterday. But now I’m here.”

Purbaya conducted a spot check at Tanah Abang Market Block A to directly assess consumer purchasing power ahead of Ramadan. Purbaya arrived around 13:00 WIB, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Finance.