Traditional markets struggle to survive

JAKARTA (JP): A total of 153 traditional markets in and around the city might be forced out of business due to the fierce competition from mushrooming supermarkets and chain stores, according to a councilor.

Chairman of Commission B for economic affairs, Djafar Badjeber, said over the weekend that the administration should immediately solve the problem by allowing small traders to run their businesses again.

"Many developers and owners have built supermarkets and stores too close to traditional markets which is against the city's regulation designed to protect the existence of local markets," Djafar said.

He said some of the supermarkets and stores which have violated the regulation include Cipulir Plaza, near Pasar Cipulir's traditional market in South Jakarta, Matahari department store near Pasar Klender, East Jakarta and Golden Truly, near Pasar Cikini in Central Jakarta.

According to a gubernatorial decree No. 241/1985 issued by the city administration, a supermarket should be built 500 meters from a well-developed traditional market, one kilometer from a developing traditional market and two kilometers from a newly developing traditional market.

History

Weak action from the administration, particularly in providing permits for the establishment of new stores, means traditional markets could become history in the near future, said Djafar. Thousands of lower-class families are dependent on markets for their livelihood.

He urged the city administration to implement the 1985 decree consistently.

"The administration must be careful in giving permits to developers," said Djafar after a hearing with executives of the city's economic development office Friday.

"What is happening now is that many traditional market traders have been evicted to make way for stores.

"This kind of practice must be stopped," he said.

A representative of the city's economic development office, Indianto, said the City Development Supervisory Office had allegedly given a building permit to companies even though the firms did not have a recommendation from Indianto's office.

"So the problem lies with the supervisory office," Indianto said.

Djafar urged city administration officials to cooperate with each other to continue protecting traditional markets.

"Don't just blame each other. Try to consolidate the work and the rules together," he said.

Traditional markets must be maintained to supply jobs to many people and provide goods and services at more affordable prices, Djafar said.

"I personally like to shop at traditional markets because its surroundings have a friendly ambience and I can also get a good bargain there," the councilor admitted.

Customers who had good relations with traders could also pay for the goods later, said Djafar.

"This kind of treatment can't possibly be met by stores or supermarkets," he added. (07)