Denpasar to protect small traders

DENPASAR: Denpasar municipality office has issued a decree to regulate the operation of franchised-mini marts and shopping centers in the city in an attempt to protect small-scale businesses.

Gde Rai Soryawan, head of Denpasar permit office, said the number of franchised mini marts was growing rapidly threatening the existence of small-scale kiosks.

Until January 2010, Denpasar registered 152 minimarts, 37 super markets, 40 traditional markets, 74 franchised mini marts.

According to the regulation, Denpasar limited the number of franchised mini marts to only 28 units.

The location of franchised mini marts must be at least 200 meters to 500 meters from traditional markets.

"Within only two weeks, there were 12 new franchised mini marts, many of them did not carry necessary permits," he said.

Separately, Susustra, deputy chairman of the Indonesian Retail Business Association, said the operation of large-scale and strong franchised business may badly affect local businesses. - JP