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.