Kupang City Government Records Rp6.3 Billion Economic Turnover from 'Saboak' Programme
Kupang (ANTARA) - The Kupang City Government (Pemkot) has recorded that the economic turnover of the Sunday Market for Kupang Residents (Saboak) programme reached Rp6.3 billion over one year of operation, developing into a new economic centre.
Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo stated on Monday that the total economic turnover at Saboak has been recorded at approximately Rp6.3 billion, with average weekly transactions of around Rp80 million. “This is money circulating for the community. The city government does not collect retribution from these stalls. Everything is truly for and by the people themselves,” he stressed.
He explained that the idea for Saboak emerged from discussions with the Deputy Mayor, aiming to bring Taman Nostalgia to life so it would not merely be a green open space but a public area with a ‘soul’ for the community. According to him, when they were inaugurated in February 2025, the regional budget had already been set, leaving very limited fiscal room for new programmes.
“We made efficiencies. The Deputy Mayor and I did not buy new official cars and used the existing budget to collaborate with various parties, such as Bank Mandiri, Taspen, and other sponsors. It was from that collaboration that Saboak was born,” he said.
Furthermore, he revealed that the city government is studying the possibility of extending the market days to three, namely Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The government also plans to add more stalls, strengthen security by deploying additional Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) personnel, build a Satpol PP post, and improve lighting and other supporting facilities in the Taman Nostalgia area.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Serena Francis expressed her appreciation to all parties who have supported the continuity of Saboak over the past year. She asserted that the success of Saboak is inseparable from the collaborative spirit of all elements, including the government, communities, sponsors, and MSME players.
Serena acknowledged that the year-long journey of Saboak has not always been smooth. Various challenges, especially during the rainy season, were experienced by MSME players. However, she said the city government continues to strive so that residents can keep running their businesses, including plans to introduce a digital platform to expand the marketing of MSME products. She also welcomed the development plans for Saboak, including the proposed addition of operating days currently under review. According to her, the high level of public enthusiasm is clear evidence of Saboak’s benefits for the residents’ economy.
“Going forward, the Kupang City Government will continue to strengthen collaboration with all parties so that Saboak can grow further and provide even greater benefits to the community,” she said.