Madura Warung Prohibited From Opening 24 Hours, Minister Teten: It's Wrong

Illustration - Warung Madura. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki said Madura stalls and other grocery stores must be supported because they encourage the economic growth of the people who have been marginalized by modern retailers.

"The government is aware of that. Do not let this traditional shop become marginalized. This is the government's commitment," said Teten, quoted from ANTARA, Tuesday, April 30.

He assessed that the existence of Madura stalls and other grocery stores must be maintained.

Teten will ensure that all regional regulations, both at the provincial and district levels, contain policies that support the existence of grocery stalls so that they can continue to compete with modern retailers.

"If there is an idea to regulate restrictions on their operating hours, that's wrong, yes, that's a big mistake. Instead, part of their advantage, people can shop at any time, close to consumers," he said.

According to him, the government through Government Regulation Number 7 of 2021 concerning Ease, Protection, and Empowerment of Cooperatives and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises is committed to protecting traditional stalls and MSMEs from the expansion of modern retail.

On this occasion, Teten also clarified the news regarding the ban on the operating hours of Madura stalls at 24 hours.

He admitted that he had reviewed the Klungkung Regency Regional Regulation Number 13 of 2018 and there were no rules that specifically prohibited grocery stalls from opening 24 hours.

The regional regulation in Bali only regulates the operating hours of modern retail.