T

he Trade Ministry has set aside Rp 400 billion (about US$47 million) to revitalize 79 markets, 20 of them categorized as traditional markets, across the country.

The revitalized traditional markets are expected to spur local economies and benefit people’s welfare.

The figure for traditional markets has seen an increase of 100 percent from last year when only 10 were included in revitalization projects.

“Of the around 70 markets the government plans to refurbish this year, 20 of them are traditional markets,” said Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan on the sidelines of inaugurating the Cokro Kembang market in Klaten, Central Java.

The Cokro Kembang market, located in Daleman village, Tulung district, Klaten, is among the first 10 traditional markets to be developed in the project, carried out by the provincial administration. The revitalization cost Rp 9 billion.

The market stands on a 8,928-square-meter plot of land with the building taking up 3,000 square meters.

Before renovation, the market, which was built in 1947, only operated on the Javanese market days of Legi and Pon. Each market day, trade transactions could reach RP 200 million. The refurbished market is expected to change its concept to a daily market so as to spur the local economy.

“Cokro Kembang market is now a model for traditional markets across Indonesia,” said Central Java Governor Bibit Waluyo.

The government earmarked Rp 650 billion for market revitalization projects in 2011, Rp 150 million of which was derived from the state budget and the rest from the state budget adjustment. The government will allocate Rp 400 billion from the state budget for the market revitalization project this year, to be carried out in 53 regencies and mayoralties across the country.

“We will try to obtain an amount from the state budget adjustment of at least the same as last year’s allocation,” said Gita.

House of Representatives’ Commission VI deputy head Aria Bima said the number of traditional markets to be revitalized was increased because they were more profitable in terms of cost and benefit.

Local people empowerment is much higher because petty traders and small and medium-scale entrepreneurs also get the benefits and can compete with modern markets.

“The welfare improvement program is more evident in traditional markets,” said Aria on Friday.

Of the 53 regencies and mayoralties, Klaten gets another turn in the 2012 market revitalization program. Apart from Klaten, a number of other areas in Central Java are included in the program this year, namely Boyolali, Kendal and Jepara.