"The uniqueness of the takjil market in Benhil is (that it is) only open during Ramadan, so buyers from all over Jakarta flock here to find typical fast-breaking snacks, such as lontong stuffed with chicken or oncom," a trader from Benhil village, Bibah, said here.
Traders began arriving at the market at 1 p.m. local time on Thursday, and by 3 p.m., various kinds of snacks such as oncom, risoles, bakwan, to heavy foods such as gudeg, grilled chicken, and Padang cuisine, were ready at the stalls.
Foods and drinks were arranged neatly in containers at the stalls. Since the market has tents, visitors did not have to worry about heat or rain.
A seller named Irma (43) said that most of the visitors looked for deep-fried snacks and bubur sumsum, a kind of sweet porridge.
The takjil market prioritizes hosting traders from RW 1 (community unit 1) of Benhil village. All traders are supported by the committee from RW 1 and Benhil village.
In addition, merchants are required to provide payment via the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS). However, on the first day of Ramadan, not all stalls were accepting QRIS payments.
Bibah expressed the hope that the government would take note of the culinary potential in Benhil to improve the economy of local micro, small, and medium enterprises.
One of the visitors to the market, Bambang (53), from Kalibata, South Jakarta, said that there were various snacks and dishes offered there, but it would be better if the area was expanded for the convenience of buyers.
The takjil market is located in front of the Tanah Abang Police Station.
To reach the market, visitors taking the city's small buses (angkot) can choose the JAK 08 (Roxy - Benhil) or the JAK 54 (Grogol - Benhil) routes, while TransJakarta riders need to get off at the Bendungan Hilir stop and then walk 700 meters to the location.
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Translator: Lintang P, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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