Inaugurated By Vice President Ma'ruf, Toboali Babel Market Which Was Formerly Kumuh Becomes The Grandest And Modernest In Babylon

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin had a dialogue with traders at Toboali Market which was recently revitalized in South Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung, Tuesday (10/9/2024). ANTARA/Aprionist

BANGKA - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin inaugurated the revitalization of Toboali Market in South Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Province (Babel), which is one of the grandest people's markets in the province. "Today, I will inaugurate one of the grandest and most modern people's markets in Bangka Belitung Province, namely Toboali Market," said Ma'ruf Amin when opening his remarks at the inauguration of the Toboali Market Revitalization in South Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung, Antara, Tuesday, September 10. Ma'ruf explained that the existence of the people's market is one of the important indicators of the economic dynamics of an area, which directly contributes to regional economic growth. Toboali Market Revitalization aims to provide comfortable and modern facilities for traders and buyers, and is expected to increase the competitiveness of MSMEs and create a more conducive business environment for the community. According to him, the development and revitalization of the people's market is important because it not only meets the basic needs of the community, but also becomes a source of income for small and medium traders. "Don't think that the government only (building) toll roads, and mall markets, but actually the government's attention, people's markets and roads in the environment," said the Vice President. The Vice President believes that the market will be a strategic distribution location for regional superior products, local crafts, and South Bangka quality food products that have natural resources in the fisheries, plantations and marine tourism sectors. Based on the records of the Ministry of Public Works for Public Housing, Toboali Market was revitalized based on the direction of President Joko Widodo who gave the mandate in October 2022. The central government through the Ministry of PUPR has also carried out construction work on market renovations since November 2023 and will be completed on July 4, 2024. After handing over to the South Bangka Regency Government, Toboali Market has now been occupied by traders. Before being renovated, the market, which has a land area of 2,445 meters, was only able to accommodate 48 merchant stalls. Now, the market, which is built with two floors, can accommodate 68 merchant stalls and 8 culinary kiosks as well as parking for cars and motorbikes.

"Initially the old market was slum, damaged, the traders were only 48, now the traders are good and also increasing, to 68. He said there were still many who queued," said the Vice President.