Trade Minister: Revitalisation of people's markets strengthens regional economy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Trade Minister Budi Santoso emphasised the importance of revitalising people’s markets to create added economic value for the community during the inauguration of the Sidayu Thematic Industrial Market in Gresik Regency, East Java, on Friday.
In a statement received in Jakarta on Friday, Budi affirmed that the Ministry of Trade continues to promote the transformation of people’s markets into modern centres of economic growth.
“We fully support the revitalisation of people’s markets, such as in Sidayu Market, to provide comfort for traders and consumers. The Sidayu Thematic Industrial Market is unique due to the presence of cultural heritage buildings within it, allowing it to function as a tourism market alongside its role as an economic hub,” said Budi.
This people’s market was constructed using a Special Allocation Fund (DAK) from the Ministry of Trade for 2025, valued at Rp25.8 billion. The market has now transformed into a more organised, comfortable economic space integrated with the local industrial ecosystem.
The Sidayu Thematic Industrial Market is designed to accommodate 538 traders. In addition to robust physical infrastructure, the market is equipped with various modern facilities, including surveillance cameras (closed-circuit television/CCTV), prayer rooms, toilets, security and health posts, re-measurement posts, and a Waste Processing Site based on the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle principle (TPS3R).
This revitalisation also serves as a moment of revival for traders following the fire disaster that struck the market in 2022. The reconstruction preserves the historical aspects of the original buildings while addressing modern sustainability and trading comfort requirements.
Budi also stressed the importance of digital adaptation for people’s market traders. He encouraged traders to utilise digital platforms for transactions to expand their market reach.
“We encourage traders in people’s markets to start selling online. This programme has been implemented in several markets, maintaining high transaction volumes supported by online purchases,” said Budi.