Paid Rp62,000, Yet Traders' Waste at Kramat Jati Main Market Piles Up to 6 Metres

A pile of rubbish around six metres high that remains unaddressed in the Kramat Jati Main Market area has sparked complaints from traders. In addition to causing a pungent smell reaching residential areas, this condition also directly impacts a decline in the number of buyers and an increase in business operational costs.

Republika’s observations until Sunday afternoon (29/3/2026) showed that the rubbish was still visible piling up at the disposal site. Despite being disturbed by the pungent smell, the activities of fruit traders and other commodities continued. The traders stated that after Eid, the rubbish began to be collected daily using around 20 dump trucks.

Amid these conditions, the traders admitted they had to endure various limitations, from a decrease in the number of buyers to an increase in operational cost burdens. Suratno (52 years old), one of the traders, said that business conditions had become increasingly difficult since the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the monthly hygiene fee, now collected at around Rp60,000 to Rp62,000, felt burdensome amid the sparse buyers. “Yes, we still complain, because it’s paid monthly, like it or not. Meanwhile, the number of shoppers is decreasing,” said Suratno on Sunday (29/3/2026).

Previously, he said, the rubbish fee was collected daily at around Rp2,000. However, after the system changed to monthly, the burden felt heavier. Especially if traders were late in paying for two or three months. Their stalls were then threatened with sealing by the management. “If late by two months, three months, immediately given a warning, could be sealed,” he said.

Not only about costs, the main issue also lies in the rubbish accumulation that causes an unpleasant smell. This condition makes the market area cramped and uncomfortable, both for traders and buyers. “The smell is unbearable. Buyers might also become reluctant to come. Previously the roads were clear, now it’s getting narrower,” he said.