Riots spark 'Reformasi' flea market

JAKARTA (JP): The devastating May 1998 riots have generated one positive outcome, at least to small traders around Cengkareng Plaza in West Jakarta.

Located opposite the shopping center, the Reformasi flea market was established following initiatives of local small traders three months after the riots rocked the capital.

Named after the people's mammoth reform movement, the market was initially designed as an emergency trading site for goods, most of which were from nearby stores, including the Cengkareng Plaza, which had been looted and set on fire.

Vendors selling goods with scorch marks were a common sight in the first days of the market's operations.

Thamrin, a vendor selling a variety of secondhand items, recalled that locals saved everything they could from the burning stores and later offered the goods to traders at the Reformasi flea market.

"Children often came here and sold looted merchandise to us. The goods were all brand new, though some of them had burn marks," Thamrin said.

With trade in genuine secondhand items, business at the flea market has flourished.

When the comprehensively renovated Cengkareng Plaza reopened last week, traders and visitors continued to pack the flea market.

Regular visitors say the market offers a great range of goods at reasonable prices.

"I regularly come here to shop for electronic products," said Nunung.

"The prices are quite fair," Andre, another visitor, said.

The market is also popular for people who wish to sell their unwanted items.

Ibu (Mrs) Anro, who sells secondhand bicycles purchased from market visitors, said her business was healthy.

"It's fairly good," she said.

Jamal, a trader of electronic goods and machinery, said most of the market vendors were laid off workers from factories and banks.

"We call it the Reformasi flea market since it came to life during the time (of the reform movement)," Jamal said.

The market, also dubbed the Cengkareng flea market, occupies an empty piece of land.

Some vendors said the site was formerly earmarked by the government for toll road works.

Asked whether they worried that the city administration would one day demolish the unlicensed market and put them out of business, the vendors said they did not consider the option.

"I remember the government once encouraged people to utilize unused land... and that's what we are doing," Thamrin said.

Muhammad, a senior trader at the site, defended their status, saying that he and the other vendors had occupied an empty plot, not a park.

Traders at Taman Puring flea market in Jakarta are currently embroiled in a dispute with local administration officers. The site has been earmarked as part of the capital's green belt project, with vendors told to vacate the area.

To open a small stand at the Reformasi flea market, vendors have to obtain "permits" from a local called Jun, a self- appointed coordinator for the traders.

Clothes vendor Lina said she had to spend Rp 300,000 (US$46) to Jun for the privilege of her stand.

In addition, each week she pays Rp 10,000 in storage fees.

Vendors must also pay a daily fee of about Rp 1,300 for various levies, including cleaning and security services.

With the reopening of the plaza, vendors are hoping that shopping center customers will bring their custom to the flea market. (03)