Fireworks Traders At Gembrong Market Screaming, Their Sales Are Unsold Due To COVID-19

Fireworks trader at Gembrong Market (Wardhany Tsa Tsia / VOI)

JAKARTA - A number of fireworks traders at Gembrong Market, East Jakarta screamed because their merchandise was not selling well. Apart from being a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also due to regulations that prohibit New Year celebrations to prevent transmission of the virus.

Based on VOI monitoring at the location, a number of fireworks traders lined up from Jalan Basuki Rahmat to approaching the Basuki Rahmat underpass. They seemed to be selling merchandise, one of which was a resident around Pasar Gembrong named Feri.

He admitted that he had been selling since a few days ago. It's just that, different from the previous year, this year he has not made a profit. Never mind the profit, he said, not even return on investment.

"I've been selling since a few days ago. But it's really quiet, no one has bought the same difference as last year. If anyone buys it, it's cheap," said the 30-year-old man to VOI, Thursday, 31 December.

If in the previous year there were so many buyers who came to his impromptu stalls under Basuki Rahmat's pedestrian bridge (JPO), this time he had to bite his fingers. Towards the turn of the year, the merchants that he arranged neatly did not pay attention to the drivers.

"At least one, only two are buying. But the capital also doesn't close. Because of the corona (virus), what else can I do. People also can't get together," he said.

Feri, owner of fireworks booth at Gembrong Market (Wardhany Tsa Tsia / VOI)

From the ferry we switched to Mustopa, which also has a toy shop at Gembrong Market. Just like Feri, he admits that he has not made any profit from the sale of fireworks this year.

"It's really quiet. No one has bought this yet. At least if they stop by to buy toys," Mustopa said in front of his stall.

Both Feri and Mustopa sell various types of fireworks at prices from IDR 40 thousand to IDR 200 thousand. They are also only allowed to trade until 20.00 WIB and this appeal was conveyed directly by the local urban village.

Mustopa, his merchandise is not selling because the COVID-19 pandemic has not been controlled (Wardhany Tsa Tsia / VOI)

Regarding the fireworks that may not sell this year, both of them said that they would later be stored in a safe place and not damp. So that if they are resold it is not damaged and they will still get a profit which was delayed at the end of this year.

Previously reported, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government will not hold and ban the 2021 New Year's Eve celebrations. Usually, New Years Eve celebrations are centered in the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout area.

This decision was made due to the uncontrolled condition of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Any activity that has the potential to create a crowd will be avoided. Disparekraf also prohibits tourism establishments from firing fireworks at New Year's Eve. Because, this will invite visitors to gather and cause the potential for transmission of the corona virus.

Tourism establishments are also asked to carry out supervisory duties and ensure that crowds do not occur. The business premises should also prevent visitors from organizing their own New Year's celebrations at that location.