Traders At Kramat Jati Market Scream Free Fall Turnover, Perumda Pasar Jaya Conduct Evaluation

Atmosphere At Kramat Jati Main Market/ Photo: ANTARA

JAKARTA - Traders at Kramat Jati Market, East Jakarta, complained about the drop in sales turnover as buying and selling activities in the market spread. Responding to this, Perumda Pasar Jaya stated that they were conducting an evaluation and assessment of solutions.

"Pasar Jaya continues to evaluate and coordinate with traders and relevant stakeholders to find the best solution so that this market can again become a center of busy and productive economic activity," said Public Relations Manager of Perumda Pasar Jaya, Irfan, when contacted by reporters, Tuesday, August 5.

According to Irfan, the sluggishness of traditional markets in Jakarta cannot be separated from a number of factors, ranging from shifting people's spending patterns to digital platforms, competition with modern shopping centers, to inadequate market facilities.

"The revitalization of the market is one of Pasar Jaya's strategic programs in the future. We are currently conducting a thorough study, both in terms of merchant needs, regional potential, and people's purchasing power around the market," he explained.

However, Irfan has not been able to confirm whether Kramat Jati Market will be included in the list of priority revitalization locations in the near future.

The physical condition of Kramat Jati Market itself is in the spotlight. In several blocks such as Blocks C and H, there are rows of empty stalls, dull walls, and floors filled with dust. This situation further adds to the concerns of traders.

Member of Commission B of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Andri Santosa, revealed that complaints about the decline in buyers at Kramat Jati Market were often accepted by his party.

"We have received many complaints from traders regarding the lack of buyers. This is a serious problem that must be handled immediately by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government," Andri said when met in Jakarta, Friday, July 25.

According to Andri, the decline in the number of buyers will not only have an impact on the daily income of traders, but also threatens the existence of traditional markets as one of the backbones of the people's economy.

"Traders complain that their daily turnover is now only hundreds of thousands of rupiah. Whereas previously it could reach millions of rupiah. This is very concerning, especially since they still have to bear operational costs such as electricity," he added.

He also encouraged the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government to immediately take strategic steps to revive traditional markets in order to be able to compete in the midst of the increasingly massive onslaught of online shopping.