Traditional markets struggle to survive
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)