"The target is 1,000 markets and 880 of them have been identified with programs. Therefore, there are 120 more to be identified," Thomas said when inspecting renovation of the the Pasar Manis market here on Tuesday.
He said in 2015, 1,002 traditional markets were renovated at a cost of Rp1.4 trillion and in n2016, the budget for renovation is set at Rp1.7 trillion.
In carrying out the renovation program, the government wanted more than just to revitalize the market but to change the mentality of the small traders, he said.
"We expect change in the mentality and characteristics of the traders to be healthy , harmonious and supporting each other," he said.
Pasar Manis of Purwokerto is one of the 1,000 traditional markets in the program of renovations this year, he said.
He said revitalization of the Pasar Manis is to be carried out in two phases, adding the second phase will be completed in 2017 that all traders could be accommodated.
The first phase of renovation began in June 2015 marked with the laying of the corner stone by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
President Jokowi has said that he hopes his administration will put an end to the image that traditional markets are dirty and or muddy .
Renovation of traditional markets is also aimed at creating modern system of management under professional managers, the president said.
The management of traditional markets across country need to have a system of exchange of information about the supply and price of commodities.
If farmers knew prices of certain commodities in all areas in the country they could send their commodities to other areas where the prices are better, he said.
For generations most Indonesians have bought foods at traditional markets. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
