Traditional market sellers

Traditional market sellers

From Kompas

I wonder if the commitment to protect traditional market
sellers from the rapid growth of supermalls in Jakarta, is being
honored. It seems that it was a lightly made promise, no more.

The Pondok Indah market in South Jakarta, for instance, is a
dying market.

The market's location is not convenient as it sprawls inwards
from Jl. Ciputat Raya, the main road, which obscures it from
public view. A small number of Pondok Pinang and Tanah Kusir
residents living closest to the area are its patrons.

It is unfortunate that the eastern part of Pondok Pinang will
be appropriated very soon. Already, signs of bankruptcy are
obvious in the form of empty kiosks scattered here and there.

The market is actually very orderly and a garbage disposal
system is already in place. Its weak side is its non-strategic
location.

The market's activity can be revived by redirecting public
transport from Kebayoran Lama to Lebak Bulus, on routes KWK S03,
Metro Mini S 611 and Roda Niaga. Instead of crossing the road
some distance from the market, it would be better if vehicles
were allowed to cross the road that divides the market.

In this way it is hoped the market will be more visible to bus
passengers and they will be encouraged to stop and buy their
daily necessities.

The suggested bus route would also increase market
accessibility to present customers. I hope the respective
authorities will pay attention to this matter.

KHAIRUL FAHMI

Jakarta