Despite the existing challenges, he emphasized that the government is committed to bringing more Indonesian traditional markets to the next level.South Lampung (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is scheduled to officiate Natar Market in South Lampung District, Lampung, in September, according to Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan.
Speaking in South Lampung on Friday, Hasan stated that Jokowi will also make the most of his Lampung visit by directly inspecting roads and several other locations in addition to launching the market, which has undergone a revitalization process.
"Besides reviewing Natar Market, the president will also inspect damaged roads. Acknowledging Lampung's potential, we will bring plenty of the central government's programs here to help the province achieve progress," he affirmed.
Hasan then stated that the government has started carrying out market revitalization projects in a bid to actualize the people-oriented economy, which finds market merchants as one of its pillars.
"In an effort to support market merchants, the government is upgrading small- and medium-sized markets everywhere. It is true, however, that we have yet to cover all regions, considering Indonesia's vast territory and large number of markets," he pointed out.
Despite the existing challenges, he emphasized that the government is committed to bringing more Indonesian traditional markets to the next level.
Natar Market is a two-floor trade center located in South Lampung, covering an area of 6,462 square meters. With its 6,839-square-meter building, the market can accommodate around 800 merchants and host 496 stalls, 18 shophouses, and 286 small-sized kiosks.
The central government has allocated Rp44.4 billion (US$2.7 million) from the state budget (APBN) to transform Natar from a traditional market into a modern one. Minister Hasan launched the revitalization project on January 25, 2024.
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Translator: Ruth Intan, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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