"Of the 53 people's markets we built in 2018, I have visited and officially opened just one, in West Lombok District," Puspayoga said after signing the inscription and cutting the ribbon to mark the inauguration of the market in Lingsar Sub-district, West Lombok. Stating that the government is not only focused on increasing economic growth, but also on welfare distribution, Puspayoga said, "That is why President Joko Widodo is focusing on infrastructure, including markets and road infrastructure so that the transportation of goods is easier."
He noted that some 53 people's markets had been built and said that the availability of land was important to ensure no problems arose in the future. The most important thing is choosing a location close to the original market because it is often difficult to shift traders.
Speaking about the people's market in Karang Bayan Village, Puspayoga said it was built next to a residential area with funds worth Rp950 million from the 2018 state budget.
"The market is quite clean and consists of 16 store units, each measuring 3x3 meters, and one market outlet measuring around 6x9 meters," he said.
West Lombok District Head H Fauzan Khalid also welcomed the construction of the market.
"Even though this market has been ready for a while, it has not yet been used. Many people have asked for the market," he said.
Stating that some 60 traders would use the people's market, Fauzan said the market would aid in the economic growth of the residents in surrounding areas, as the superior products of the Karang Bayan village community would be sold there.
In West Lombok, there are 33 markets across many categories: three markets are included in Class A, while the rest are in Class C.
"Until now, at least 10,345 small business persons still need to be aided by the government," he said.
Translator: Eliswan Azly
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
