Masduki spoke of having examined Klungkung District's Regional Regulation No. 13 of 2018 on market and retail management and found that it does not prohibit traditional stalls run by residents to operate round the clock.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Co-operatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Teten Masduki stated that traditional stalls operated by residents should not be sidelined amid the incursion of modern retail stores.

The minister's remarks were conveyed in response to reports that the authority intends to restrict the operational hours of small grocery stores operated by Madurese people, locally known as "warung Madura".

"The government understands. We should not let traditional stalls be sidelined. It will be the government's commitment," Masduki stated at a press conference here on Tuesday (April 30).

The minister remarked that traditional stalls, including the "warung Madura," should be supported, as it helps the people's economy to develop and resist pressures from modern retail stores.

Hence, all parties should ensure traditional stalls remain viable for modern markets, the minister said.

Masduki also affirmed that he would ensure all province and district authorities enact regulations to support traditional stalls competing with modern retail stores.

"Any idea to restrict their operational hours is a mistake, a huge mistake. (24-hour operation) instead becomes their plus point. (Thus) residents can shop anytime (as the stalls) are close to them," the minister remarked.

He also highlighted Government Regulation No. 7 of 2021 on Facility, Protection, and Empowerment of Co-operatives and MSMEs provides the legal basis to shield small businesses amid the surge of modern retail stores.

Meanwhile, Masduki spoke of having examined Klungkung District's Regional Regulation No. 13 of 2018 on market and retail management and found that it does not prohibit traditional stalls run by residents to operate round the clock.

Some reports earlier claimed that the Klungkung District authority restricted the operational hours of "warung Madura", customarily operating round the clock.

The minister clarified that the regulation in Bali Province regulates only operational hours for modern retail stores.

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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
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