Vendors Alarmed as Customers Vanish from Pasar Cipulir One by One

JAKARTA – Vendors at Pasar Cipulir in South Jakarta are increasingly distressed as customers dwindle. Several traders report a drastic drop in sales turnover, with some nearly 100% decline.

Cece, a teenager’s clothing vendor, said the number of customers has decreased, leaving only a few regulars. Even these regulars are reducing their purchases. “Non-regular customers are almost non-existent, and even regulars are buying less – from 10 dozen previously, now only five,” Cece told CNBC Indonesia on 29 May 2026. He added that his sales turnover has dropped by 40% over the past year, with the decline accelerating recently. “The drop became noticeable in 2025, but 2026 seems worse,” he said.

At his shop, teenage clothing prices range from Rp13,000 to Rp30,000, but customers must buy at least three items.

Susi, a men’s shorts vendor, is faring worse. Since Monday of this week, her sales have been negligible, with only three pairs sold yesterday. “Since Monday this week, nothing sold, only three pairs sold today,” Susi said. When asked about turnover, she stated sales have not just declined but are now at a loss. “It’s not just a drop in turnover – it’s giving away for free, there are no buyers,” she explained. She has reduced the price of shorts from Rp35,000 to Rp25,000 to attract customers, but she admits it makes little difference.

Yono, a children’s clothing vendor, described the current situation as extremely difficult, with days passing without a single sale. “It’s very hard to predict sales now; sometimes not a single item sells in a day,” he said. Even during the recent Lebaran holiday, sales did not improve. “We didn’t see the usual Lebaran boost; it was unusually quiet,” he added.

Idris, a vendor of adult clothing, expressed concern over dwindling customers. “It’s heartbreaking to face this daily – customers keep dropping, income is stagnant, but rent payments continue,” he said.