Markets are left empty as traders leave for ‘mudik’

Denpasar: A number of shops and traditional markets in Denpasar were empty on Sunday, the first day of Idul Fitri, as the traders had taken part in the annual Lebaran exodus to their hometowns, known locally as mudik.

As reported by Antara news agency, the majority of the traditional market stalls, including shops selling staple food, clothing and housewares, were closed, a situation repeated across the whole province of Bali. While some traders were still open for business, such as at Kereneng and Badung markets, their stock was relatively limited.

“Many traders are from Java and they have gone home for the holidays, so the market is really quiet. It’s been like this for two days,” said Wayan Ratmi, a food trader in Kerambitan market.

Nyoman Ratmini, who sells staple foods, said the same, stating, however, that even though the market was quiet they would continue to open for business.

A housewife complained because she couldn’t get some items on her shopping list as most of the traders were celebrating Idul Fitri.