Golden Truly Closed Because It Was Unable To Withstand Jokowi And Anies' PSBB Policy Pressures

Photo: Instagram @goldentruly

JAKARTA - Shopping centers or malls are starting to collapse one by one amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, Golden Truly Mall officially closed its operations on December 1, 2020.

The Association of Indonesian Shopping Centers (APPBI) said the cause was due to the pressure on large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) policies. The policy was implemented by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and DKI Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

As is known, during the transitional PSBB period in Jakarta, markets and malls were allowed to operate with a maximum of 50 percent of capacity. Market operating hours are regulated by the market manager. Shopping centers and malls operate from 09.00-21.00 WIB.

Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI) Alphonzus Widjaja revealed that the condition of shopping centers is still in a bad condition. This is because the level of visits is still very low and people's purchasing power has not yet recovered.

"Many regions also limit visitors to shopping centers by 50 percent of capacity. Even if the maximum limit is reached, it will still not cover operational costs," he said, when contacted by VOI, Wednesday, December 2.

According to Alphonzus, after the transitional PSBB in the Capital Region has been implemented, the capacity of mall visitors has never reached the maximum limit, which is 50 percent.

Another factor that causes the collapse of shopping centers in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic which is also a problem is the ability of each shopping center to survive differently.

"What is also a problem is the ability of each shopping center is also different from one another. Each has different endurance," he said.

Alphonzus explained, shopping centers that had mediocre or less than optimal performance before the pandemic, will definitely experience even more difficulties during this pandemic.

"So that it triggers and forces them to sell their business or close their business," he said.

As previously reported, Golden Truly Gunung Sahari Mall officially closed its operations on December 1, 2020.

"To all our loyal customers, thank you for your trust and loyalty to Golden Truly Mall while being present at Jalan Gunung Sahari. Starting on December 1, 2020, the mall on Jalan Gunung Sahari No. 59 will be managed by a new building manager," Golden Truly wrote. His official Instagram, Wednesday, December 2.

Even so, Golden Truly emphasized that it will try digital or online sales. Golden Truly online sales can be done on e-commerce such as Tokopedia and Shopee.

"We will still be here to meet your needs by providing the latest Golden Truly collection in our online shop at Tokopedia & Shopee," he said.

However, the closure of shopping centers is not the first time this has happened. PT Matahari Department Store Tbk (LPPF) also closed its outlets until the end of 2020. The total number of Matahari outlets that have closed this year is 13.