…do not think that the government only (builds) toll roads, markets, malls, but what the government is actually paying attention to is (the development of) traditional markets and local roads.
South Bangka (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Vice President Ma'ruf Amin on Tuesday emphasized that the government's infrastructure commitment is not limited to building toll roads and shopping centers or malls for the rich, but also covers facilities for the wider population.

He made the statement in reference to the government's plan to build and revitalize traditional markets as well as implement the presidential instruction (Inpres) on the project to repair regional roads.

"This is the government's commitment to carry out development not only for the rich, but also for the poor, and the common people," he remarked at the inauguration of the newly renovated Toboali Market in South Bangka District, Bangka Belitung, on Tuesday.

"So, do not think that the government only (builds) toll roads, markets, malls, but what the government is actually paying attention to is (the development of) traditional markets and local roads," he added.

According to Amin, the presidential instruction on the regional road project reflects the government's commitment to improving connectivity between regions and supporting the mobility of goods and services.

Under Presidential Instruction Number 3 of 2023, the government allocated Rp14.6 trillion (around USD944.8 million) in 2023 and Rp15 trillion (USD970.7 million) in 2024 for regional road repairs.

The instruction is expected to support connectivity between economic centers, reduce logistics costs, and travel time, thereby supporting the equal distribution of public welfare.

According to the Vice President, following its revitalization, Toboali Market is now one of the grandest and most modern markets in Bangka Belitung Province.

Based on data from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, the market was revitalized at the direction of President Joko Widodo in October 2022.

The ministry started the renovation project in November 2023 and completed it on July 4, 2024.

Before the renovation, the market--which covers a land area of 2,445 meters--could only accommodate 48 merchant kiosks.

Now, the market can house 68 merchant stalls and 8 culinary stalls as well as parking for cars and motorbikes.

Vice President Amin said that following its renovation, many traders have been queuing to register for stalls at Toboali Market.

He also advised the next government to find a way to accommodate them.

"Initially, the old market was shabby, damaged, there were only 48 traders, now it is good and the number of traders has increased to 68. There are still many queuing (up). Later, the next government will think about that (how to accommodate more traders)," he said.

Over the past six years, the government has built and renovated 62 traditional markets in 53 districts/cities spread across 21 provinces to bolster regional economic growth.

Related news: Renovation of Purwodadi Market in Bengkulu to start in August 2023
Related news: PUPR ministry completes revitalization of two traditional markets








Translator: Mentari Dwi Gayati, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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