During a visit to Senen Market in Central Jakarta on Sunday, Abdurrahman assured merchants that the government is committed to finding a fair policy that upholds regulations without harming small businesses.
“We will craft the best formula to accommodate the interests of merchants while also ensuring compliance with applicable regulations,” he said.
He emphasized that the approach follows President Prabowo Subianto’s directive to avoid measures that disrupt economic activity.
“On one side, we need to enforce regulations, but on the other side, it is equally important to accommodate trade-related interests, ensuring that economic activities continue running. It is these matters that we will strive to solve,” Abdurrahman added.
The minister said his market visit allowed him to hear directly from thrift merchants, who appealed for support to keep their businesses running.
“This visit is a good step, an opportunity for us all to gather and exchange views. This way, the government can obtain a clear picture of the real condition in the field and then proceed to find the best solution,” he noted.
Abdurrahman stressed that no hasty decision would be made.
“In my view, it would be imprudent for us to take step A, step B, or step C straight away. Most importantly, we will work to serve the interests of merchants to sustain economic activities,” he said.
The debate over thrifting has intensified in recent weeks. On November 19, the House of Representatives (DPR) held a hearing with thrift merchants, who argued that their businesses are part of the MSME sector and banning them would hurt the economy.
The following day, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said he would not legalize thrifting even if merchants paid import duties, citing the need to curb illegal markets and protect domestic industries from a flood of imported goods.
Translator: Arnidhya N, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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