Ramadan Bazaar Crowded by Residents, Tangsel Vice Mayor Pilar: This Is an Effort to Safeguard Residents' Purchasing Power

Anticipation filled the Ramadan Bazaar organised by the Tangerang Selatan City Government at the Serpong Utara sub-district office on Thursday 5 March 2026. From early morning, hundreds queued to obtain staple goods at prices far cheaper than market rates.

Deputy Mayor of Tangsel Pilar Saga Ichsan said the Ramadan bazaar is a concrete step by the government to help residents amid rising needs during the fasting month. ‘This bazaar is held for the community to help raise purchasing power. Here we have staple goods such as cooking oil, rice, chilies, onions, and other basic commodities at more affordable prices,’ she said.

The simultaneous bazaar was held in seven districts in Tangerang Selatan today. The aim is to help residents meet their Ramadan needs, and at the same time to support the local government’s efforts to stabilise staple prices.

She noted that several commodities sold at the bazaar show a significant difference in price compared to market prices. For example, chilies are sold at around Rp5,000 per pack, while in the market prices can reach tens of thousands of rupiah.

In addition, cooking oil is sold more cheaply, with differences of Rp10,000 to Rp20,000 compared with market prices.

‘This is very beneficial, especially for low-income communities. I hope this can be continued so that people’s basic needs are met and their purchasing power increases during Ramadan,’ she said.

In addition to staples, the Ramadan bazaar also features various other products such as snacks and items ahead of Idul Fitri.

In its implementation, the bazaar involved around 20 tenants comprising various companies, business actors, and support from several regional device organisations (OPD).

Pilar added that the Ramadan bazaar is also one of the local government’s strategies to curb the inflation potential that typically rises ahead of Eid. Although, she emphasised that bazaar activities are not routinely held every month; the government will still consider market conditions to avoid impacting traders. ‘We will look at market conditions; if prices are stable, we must maintain balance for market traders as they also need to live from selling. But if prices rise again, bazaars like this can be a solution to stabilise prices,’ she said.

Through this activity, Tangerang Selatan City Government hopes residents can more easily obtain staple goods at affordable prices during Ramadan, while also maintaining the region’s economic stability.