Indonesian Market
Traders Association (IKKAPI) felt the need to indicate acts of sabotage behind
the fire incident in traditional markets in various regions. The acts of
sabotage come from the plan of the central/provincial government to revitalize
traditional markets. Government work plan for market revitalization also
involves certain investors. “The indication is very strong. Preferably, the
revitalization program does not involve private investors, “Chairman of IKAPPI,
Abdullah Mansuri, told Business News (May 19).
IKAPPI detected a series of events
in two months, until finally there was a fire in Johar market (Semarang,
Central Java). The same thing happened before the fire incident in Klewer
Market (Surakarta). Behind the revitalization program, the government is using
the services of investors and contractors. But when IKAPPI opposed the
revitalization plan, two months later Johar market was on fire. “The tender
process is already two months until finally Johar market was on fire a few days
ago.”
IKAPPI sees that fire incident in
traditional markets took place massively. It cannot be underestimated, given
its very large number. In 2015, IKAPPI noted that there are about 148
traditional markets on fire. Of that number, 59 are located in urban areas. The
rest are traditional markets located in the villages. “Pasar Kaget” which is
usually packed with street vendors selling their merchandise on display mats in
some regions also suffered similar incident.
In terms of quantity, number of
traditional markets which were tragically on fire. In terms of quality,
traditional markets have socio-cultural impact on society. Klewer Market, Johar
Market, and Lembang Market (Bandung, West Java) are iconic markets. It means
that Klewer market is always associated with batik traders from Surakarta.
Johar market, in addition to an iconic market, is also inseparable from the
history of trading activity of Semarang. The same is for Lembang market, which
was formerly known as floating market which is often packed with people of
Bandung. While Senen Market in Central Jakarta is a little more fortune,
because it immediately got a response from former Jakarta Governor, Jokowi was
serving as Jakarta, and he immediately ordered the renovation of Senen market.
“What is left is Beringharjo Makrt in Yogyakarta. This is also an iconic
market, and a tourist destination in Yogyakarta.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of Regional
Representative Council (DPD) of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Imran
Gusman, sees that President Jokowi administration did not send support to the
traditional sector. While, people’s economy, including the empowerment of
traditional market traders, is included in the priority agenda or Nawacita of
President Jokowi. “People’s economy, including the portrait of traditional
market traders is like part of my extended family, “Irman Gusman told Business
News (May 19).
Nevertheless, DPD sees that the
background of President Jokowi and Vice President Jusuf Kalla is also part of
the life of traders. Before being elected as the mayor of solo (2005 – 2010)
Jokowi sells furniture. “If President Jokowi is representing small traders, the
Minister of Trade (Rahmat Gobel) has the same track record, he was brought up
in an entrepreneurial family. The Vice President was also experienced with the
life of trader. I’m sure that all of them are willing to pay debts to small
entrepreneurs, traditional market traders. The Government has been operating for
eight months, and it is not too late. There must be support, especially the
executive’s policy for small traders in traditional markets.”
Some traders in Melawai, Blok M, and
Tanah bang markets since 2950s until now have not changed much. Most
still rely on small stalls or kiosks. While they are also dealing with agents
(big traders) “there are one or two small traders who succeeded, but just a
showcase.”
DPD of People’s Consultative
Assembly appreciates the Trade Minister, Rahmat Gobel, because he was directly
visiting the location of fire in Johar Market. Such an attitude must be
maintained, given that the traditional market is part of the real sector. The
sector is not susceptible to a variety of shock risks that happen suddenly. The
real sector, including traditional markets, is also not susceptible to
financial policy, fiscal policy, and so forth, such as the Asian financial
crisis of 1997, shock risk which was relatively small. “After the government
raised fuel prices, the extent to which the allocation of subsidies for traditional
market traders segments. Because President Jokowi voters (during the 2014
presidential election), 65 percent of them are middle to lower class society,
including traditional market traders.” (E)
Business New - May 20, 2015
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