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strong>Dec. 17, p10

Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician and new Jakarta Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat says that as deputy governor, he will prioritize the revitalization of traditional markets and limit the number of mini markets in Jakarta.

'€œTraditional markets in Jakarta must be revitalized. Most people know traditional markets for being dirty and smelly, therefore I want to help change that image,'€ Djarot told reporters at City Hall.

Your comments:

The issue of mini markets is an emotive one in Indonesia. However, the fact remains that if people want to spend their money in these places instead, why shouldn'€™t they be allowed to?

A solution might be to force traditional markets to conform to higher levels of hygiene, with regular inspections. Rat-infested traditional markets are their own worst enemy.

Lasem Benny

What a great initiative. We'€™re suffering a plague of branded mini markets. They'€™re faceless and very skilled at sucking money out of the local areas and into Jakarta, even overseas in the case of international chains. Traditional markets and family-run mini markets help the local economy, farmers, provide employment and spread resources wider.

The social aspect is significant too. As Pak Djarot points out, the traditional market is a focus point, a meeting place and a kind of glue to keep the community together. It'€™s also a super spot for a quick breakfast. The same can'€™t be said for a Hero or a Carrefour.

Lastly, anyone who thinks traditional markets are smelly and infested with flies should take a trip to South Tangerang and see the Sinpasa, Kelapa Dua and Paramount markets. They will be pleasantly surprised.  Let'€™s support our local economy.

Deedee S.

I totally agree with your plan Pak Djarot. But for as long as I can remember, the only country in Asia where you can drink water directly from the tap is Singapore. If you are promoting local markets/food, surely they must have clean running water, not only a bucketful of water to rinse the plates. I wonder what kind of infrastructure you have in mind.

Animi

I love the idea of limiting the number of mini markets in Jakarta and revitalizing traditional markets. First, the governor should create a better image of traditional markets by making the traditional markets safe, clean and comfortable.

I believe the government is able to do it, but I doubt it can make traditional markets safe because there are so many thugs in Jakarta and many sellers are afraid of them.

The government should deconstruct the paradigm that shopping in the mall and mini market is better than traditional markets.

Habiba Turrahmah Murtadlo

If he wants to replace mini markets with local vendors (warung and gerobak) then he should teach them cleanliness and pride in their belongings. I love how these people are all about '€œgiving the poor a chance'€, but I just hope the implementation isn'€™t a mess. But it will probably be a mess.

Deddy K.

Local markets are great but how to get the vendors to keep them clean? I'€™ve seen two markets rebuilt and they looked great the first day but now they look shabby with garbage everywhere. When will they learn to respect their own environment? Maybe they should fine them three times then throw them out.

Rick