Finance Minister Tours Tanah Abang Market in Crowded Inspection

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa inspected Block A of Tanah Abang Market in Jakarta on Monday, 9 March 2026, to assess public purchasing power ahead of Eid celebrations.

During the visit, the minister visited several clothing shops and engaged in conversations with traders whilst walking through the wholesale area. He also visited an Islamic clothing store, where he tried on a koko shirt and spoke with shopkeepers regarding their economic concerns.

Traders voiced numerous complaints to the minister. A headscarf vendor expressed frustration about lack of wholesale customers, whilst another merchant lamented weak sales due to online competition. “Please fix Indonesia’s economy, Sir Purbaya,” one trader pleaded. Another added, “Business is slow, sir… we’re losing out to online.”

Following the market visit, Minister Purbaya assessed that consumer purchasing power was beginning to improve, noting the continued bustling activity in the Block A wholesale centre. He suggested this contradicted claims from certain economists who have stated that public purchasing power is in decline.

The visit took place as Indonesia approaches the Eid holiday period, traditionally a significant season for retail spending in major markets like Tanah Abang.