Trompet and Fireworks Traders in Gembrong Market Complain Ahead of New Year

JAKARTA - Rows of colorful trumpets and fireworks are still neatly lined up at the Gembrong Market, Jatinegara, East Jakarta. However, ahead of the New Year's Eve 2026, the atmosphere of the market is not as crowded as in previous years. Peddlers admit that they have to be open-minded about the sparse buyers.

Umaenah (41), a trumpet trader who every year complains about his luck at the Gembrong Market, can only resign himself to seeing his merchandise that has not been sold much. He said a number of factors also influenced the condition, ranging from rainy weather to government appeals regarding fireworks restrictions.

"The Governor's appeal about the fireworks party also makes us surrender," said Umaenah, Monday.

According to him, this year's sales revenue decreased compared to last year. Even though, he and other traders usually only sell a few days before New Year's Eve.

"We only ask for five days, Governor. We don't sell trumpets and fireworks every day," he said softly.

For Umaenah, blowing a trumpet and lighting fireworks has become part of the community's tradition when welcoming the new year. This tradition, according to him, has been passed down from generation to generation.

"It feels like New Year's Eve is incomplete if there is no trumpet or fireworks," he said.

However, the spirit of the traders has not completely extinguished. Saptoni (44), another trumpet trader, is still optimistic that his trade will sell, especially a day before the New Year's Eve.

"We open from 10 am to midnight. Usually it is crowded on the last day," said Saptoni, who admitted that he routinely sold trumpets every year-end.

He sells trumpets at varying prices, ranging from Rp. 20 thousand to Rp. 25 thousand per piece. According to him, this price is still affordable for people who want to celebrate the new year in a simple way.

In the midst of the sparse market, Dean (38), one of the buyers, was seen choosing several trumpets. He admitted that he deliberately came to the Gembrong Market to buy trumpets for his children at home.

"Just for the kids, let's be excited. Every year is like that," he said.

Meanwhile, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has confirmed that it does not prohibit people from lighting fireworks during the New Year's Eve. Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta Rano Karno said that fireworks restrictions were aimed at government and private institutions, such as hotel managers.

"We can't possibly check every person at Monas or elsewhere," said Rano, Sunday (28/12).

Instead, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will present a drone attraction in the New Year's Eve celebration series. Rano hopes that the performance will still be able to bring happiness to Jakarta residents.

"So that the happiness does not decrease, we have a drone attraction with a fairly large number and an interesting transition," he said.

For small traders in the Gembrong Market, New Year's Eve is not just a celebration, but also a hope - that the remaining trumpets and fireworks can bring wealth at the end of the year.