Singaraja Zero Point Crowds Drive Surge in Satay Vendor Turnover

For Sumiati (54), the redevelopment of the Singaraja Zero Point area, now renamed Praja Mandala Singa Ambara Raja, is more than just an aesthetic improvement for the city. The transformation has brought significant blessings to her business as a satay vendor.

While her business used to slow down around 9:00 PM WITA, the Madura-born entrepreneur now finds herself busy serving customers until 1:00 AM or even 2:00 AM. “There has been progress. Previously, it was quiet by 9:00 PM, but now I can sell until 1:00 or 2:00 AM,” Sumiati stated at her stall on Sunday (2/8/2026).

Having resided in Bali for 25 years, Sumiati feels increasingly optimistic about her business. The growing crowds of locals and tourists visiting the Praja Mandala Singa Ambara Raja area have encouraged her to expand her product range. In addition to satay, she now sells ‘nasi jinggo’ and various cold beverages to meet visitor demand. “I have added more goods and drinks. People coming from the Zero Point area stop here to buy drinks, satay, and nasi jinggo. There is slight development,” she said.

According to Sumiati, the number of customers has doubled compared to the period before the area became a popular destination. Her clientele includes not only locals but also various groups of tourists, ranging from visitors from Karangasem and Ubud to large motorcycle communities touring Singaraja.

Sumiati’s journey as a vendor began during her single years, when she sold satay door-to-door in Surabaya. After marrying a Balinese man, she continued her business in Singaraja, moving from village to village. For the past two years, she has chosen to settle her business near the Zero Point area, a decision that has paid off as the area has evolved into a bustling public space.

Despite the increase in customers, Sumiati maintains affordable pricing. She offers options ranging from Rp 10,000, Rp 15,000, to Rp 20,000 per portion, while complete satay with rice cakes (lontong) starts at Rp 15,000. Sumiati hopes that the development of the Praja Mandala Singa Ambara Raja area will continue, attracting even more tourists and residents to the centre of Singaraja. “My hope is that it becomes even more crowded. If it is busy, we vendors can also prosper. The important thing is that we can eat and my grandchildren do not go hungry. I am very happy,” she concluded.