11 traditional markets in Surabaya to be relocated

SURABAYA: The Surabaya administration said it would relocate 11 traditional markets to a new site in Osowilangon, a central market in the north of the city.

Mayor Bambang Dwi Hartono said the relocation was urgently needed because the markets caused traffic congestion in their respective vicinities.

"The relocation is also aimed at clearing pavements of street vendors," he said.

The policy has drawn protests from vendors. They rejected the move, saying that the new location was too far and would not attract consumers. Vendor association head Sudarno said the relocation could cause a drop in shopper numbers, given that consumers normally come from the vicinity of the market.

"If the city administration wants to relocate the markets, they should move us to highly populated areas," he said. - JP