"(The system) is now replete with new features, including a contact number that connects to WhatsApp. For now, the WhatsApp number is for the market head," Head of the Yogyakarta City Industry and Trade Office Development and Market Revenue Development Division Gunawan Nugroho Utomo stated in Yogyakarta, Saturday.
Consumers can communicate with market heads and send inquiries pertaining to prices and stock availability of basic necessities available at the market prior to making online purchases through the Gojek application.
"Going forward, this feature will be enhanced. Ideally, a manager should be appointed specifically from the merchant community in the market to handle and oversee the online shopping process," he explained.
The online shopping program at the traditional market in Yogyakarta City was launched in a bid to safeguard the turnover of market traders during the COVID-19 pandemic whilst protecting sellers and consumers from exposure to the coronavirus.
Two weeks following the launch of the online shopping application, Utomo pointed to a 30-percent spike in the number of consumers accessing the service.
When it was launched in mid-April, Beringharjo Market, Demangan, Kotagede, Legi Patangpuluhan, Kranggan, and Sentul were six markets had become pilot projects. There are now two additional markets, including ones in Karangwaru and Pingit.
"Apart from the Goshop menu on Gojek, we have also distributed contact numbers of each seller, so that consumers can order directly and shop that way from traditional markets. The goods will later be delivered to their homes via online motorcycle taxi services or via titipku.com," he expounded.
Utomo expressed hope that all 30 traditional markets in Yogyakarta City would be able to apply an online shopping system.
Meanwhile, Head of the Yogyakarta City Industry and Trade Office Yunianto Dwi Sutono affirmed that the online shopping system would remain in place and be applied even after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
"I think people have gotten accustomed to shopping online. In future, only couriers or delivery services would frequent traditional markets since consumers would be shopping online from home," he pointed out.
Moreover, the Office is developing a non-cash payment method for traditional markets, he added.
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Translator: Eka Arifa/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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