Trading Clothes from Cars: Tasik Market Activities Attract Foreign Tourists' Attention

JAKARTA — Trading activities at Pasar Tasik located on Jalan Cideng Timur, Gambir, Central Jakarta, frequently capture attention because traders sell directly from their own vehicles.

Heri Mulyo Sugiarto, the Market Head and HR manager at Pasar Tasik, stated that traders from various regions use their own vehicles to transport their merchandise.

Items sold include gamis (loose-fitting long dresses), koko shirts, abayas, shirts, long trousers, skirts, and children’s clothing.

Before the traders were relocated to Pasar Tasik, they were already selling from vehicles in the Tanah Abang vicinity.

“This characteristic cannot disappear. It must be with vehicles. The skill lies there. However, those using tents are also allowed,” said Heri.

He continued, Pasar Tasik officially began operations in 2016. The traders at this market were the result of relocation from various points in Tanah Abang, including the Bongkaran area as well as traders who previously sold on the Tanah Abang pavement.

The trader relocation was carried out during the administration of DKI Jakarta Governor and Vice Governor from 2012–2017, Joko Widodo and Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok).

“The relocation idea came during Mr Joko’s time, then we obtained land here, and it’s remained here ever since. Here, there’s security, there’s management, so we’re creating employment opportunities. Especially for local residents, residents of Tanah Abang,” he explained.

Traders from the Tasik region, a common designation used, are characterised by selling gamis.

The gamis sold have various models and most are produced by home-based convection workshops.

“They produce themselves, home-based convection workshops. That’s why the goods are cheap, there are many varieties but the quality is good,” said Heri.

He provided an example that the price of one gamis at Pasar Tasik ranges from Rp60,000 to Rp200,000.