On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, dozens of mama-mama (Papuan women) sang and danced to express their gratitude for the new market they had been longing to have for years.

They are female vegetable sellers who have been struggling for a decent traditional market in Jayapura, Papua, for the last 14 years.

On Wednesday, Jayapura Mayor Benhur Tommy Mano officially opened the market, called Pasar Mama-Mama, coinciding with Jayapura city’s 108th anniversary.

“Here is where we will now trade,” said Welmina Paweka, one of the sellers, in a joyful tone.

Welmina is among hundreds of mama-mama who had been running their businesses either on sidewalks across Jayapura or in a temporary market that occupied the yard of the former office of the Papua provincial Information and Communication Agency.

To build the traditional yet modern market was one of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s promises made to Papua during his first visit to the easternmost region in December 2014, only months after he took office.

But nearly two years after the event, no progress had been made. A Papuan woman named Yuliana Pigay later sent a letter to the State Palace to express her disappointment.

When Jokowi visited Papua for the fourth time in April 2016, he finally led a groundbreaking ceremony for Pasar Mama-Mama.

The construction of the market was, in fact, completed last year. But the market’s operation had been stalled due problems with land ownership.

Yuliana, who is now the chairman of Pasar Mama-Mama, could not hold back her tears as she entered the market just before the inauguration ceremony.

“Our dream has come true. Our struggles have paid off,” Yuliana said, and later recalled the role of a late local activist named Robert Jitmau, who had helped voice their demand for a clean and decent market since 2003.

A total of 275 female vegetable sellers will now run their business from the four-story market building, which will be managed by the Jayapura administration in a modern way to eliminate the image of uncleanliness associated with other traditional markets.

“This [new] market accommodates all of them,” said Jayapura Mayor Benhur Tommy Mano.

The booths at the market, which was built using funds from the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry, were distributed to the female sellers by drawing names at random.

“I’m so lucky to get a booth near the parking area. It will ease access [for me and visitors in reaching my booth],” said Alberthin, a seller.

Built on a 2,400-square-meter plot of land, the market can accommodate up to 382 booths.

Vegetables, fruit, fish and meat will be sold on the market’s first floor, which also has a number of washing tables and refrigerators installed for the sellers.

The second floor is for Papuan souvenirs and traditional handicrafts, while the third floor is for restaurants and food vendors.

“We also plan to make the market a tourist destination, where visitors can find Papuan dishes and souvenirs from mama-mama sellers. That’s why the market is special,” Mayor Benhur said.

State-owned power company PLN has installed a power generator as a backup, so that during blackouts the market will remain lit.

The tap water company has also built an underground reservoir capable of storing 5,000 liters of water to ensure a supply of clean water, apart from the regular supply.

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