Traditional markets still quiet

Traditional markets still quiet

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Many housewives were forced to shop in supermarkets on Monday as
most vendors in traditional markets had yet to start operating
again after the long holiday.

Sudarmi, 45, who was interviewed at the Carrefour supermarket
in Cempaka Mas, Central Jakarta, said that she usually bought
vegetables at Bulog market in Rawasari, Central Jakarta, which
was located just 200 meters from her home.

"The market has been closed for three days so I have to come
here to buy vegetables," she told Antara.

She added that there were a few vendors operating in Bulog
market but there was nothing left for her to buy as everything
had been sold out.

Asep, who sells coconuts in a traditional market, admitted
that the supply of coconuts as well as vegetables from Sukabumi,
West Java, had dried up over the past four days due to the
holiday.

Meanwhile Siti Hidayah, a housewife who lives in Pulomas, East
Jakarta, also complained about the shortage of vegetables at the
traditional market in her area.

"We are in trouble. This Lebaran holiday we have to keep on
cooking, while the food in the refrigerator is almost finished,"
she said.

She also grumbled about price hikes for vegetables and other
commodities, saying that a small bag of chili, which used to cost
Rp 3,000, had soared to Rp 5,000.

The second floor of the Pasar Pagi market in Rawamangun, East
Jakarta, was also quiet as most vendors were still on holiday.
Many shoppers left disappointed and were forced to go to
supermarkets so that they would not have to return home empty-
handed.