Trade Minister Visited by Tanah Abang Traders, Complain of Plummeting Sales

Trade Minister Budi Santoso, alias Busan, admitted that he was approached by the Tanah Abang traders’ association, who complained that their sales ahead of Eid were declining.

Busan’s information confirms reports that the turnover of clothing traders in Tanah Abang during Eid 2026 fell compared to the previous year.

“We chatted about what problems are currently happening there. Indeed, they said it’s not like it used to be,” Busan said when met at the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) office in Jakarta on Friday (27/3/2026).

Kemendag has not yet determined the exact number of traders experiencing similar issues because it has not inspected the location.

“Yes, according to him, it’s declining, according to him,” Busan stated.

The National Mandate Party (PAN) politician said that Kemendag needs to directly inspect the goods sold at Tanah Abang Market.

“Indeed, they said it’s not like it used to be, but we need to check. Check in Tanah Abang where the goods come from,” he said.

According to Busan, many Tanah Abang traders now claim to have expanded into the online market while still selling conventionally at the market.

Therefore, he asked that traders’ sales in Tanah Abang not be viewed only from conventional transactions.

To encourage the sale of domestic fashion products, Kemendag will facilitate micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) to supply modern retail stores.

In that meeting, they had agreed with the Tanah Abang traders to access various marketing activities.

“Yes, join exhibitions; previously, they rarely did, but they’ve started getting used to it; who knows, maybe with that, they’ll become more known by the market,” Busan explained.