The firm published the telephone numbers of dozens of retailers who be contacted by customers from home. The list of numbers can be seen on Pasar Jaya's official Facebook page and Instagram account. 

“Orders can be placed directly to the market retailers,” a post reads on Pasar Jaya’s Instagram account @perumdapasarjaya. “The delivery and payment methods will be arranged between retailers and buyers.”

Apart from staple foods, retailers in some markets, such as Pondok Labu Market and Gandaria Market in South Jakarta and Kramat Jati Central Market in East Java, are offering fast food for those who want a premade meal.

Many Jakartans responded positively to the service. Some, however, found it complicated and confusing.

“None of the retailers at Mampang Market could be contacted,” Instagram user @ifraddds wrote.

Another Instagram user, @ibusabitshabreena, asked the market operator whether customers could buy small amounts of groceries through the service but did not get a response.

Read also: How to do online grocery shopping in a time of coronavirus

Pasar Jaya management said that all 153 markets under its management were open, with each market equipped with a thermal scanner and hand sanitizers. In addition, all markets were frequently disinfected.

Within Indonesia, Jakarta has been hit hardest by COVID-19 with health authorities confirming 627 cases and 62 deaths. (trn)