The government plans to revitalize hundreds of traditional markets in the country to allow them to function more optimally. At least 200 traditional markets were revitalized in 2011.
Solo, Central Java (ANTARA News) - Trade Minister Gita Wijawan said his office had earmarked Rp400 billion in its 2012 budget to revitalize traditional markets in the country.

Traditional markets needed to be revitalized to increase their competitiveness amid the proliferation of modern markets, Gita said here Friday.

"Many local people have given a positive response to the traditional market revitalization plan," he said.

The government plans to revitalize hundreds of traditional markets in the country to allow them to function more optimally. At least 200 traditional markets were revitalized in 2011.

The funds for the revitalization effort were taken from the 2011 state budget and allocated for six traditional markets, namely two markets in backward or remote areas and four markets in disaster-hit areas, namely Sleman (Yogyakarta), Magelang (Central Java), Wasior (Papua), and Mentawai (West Sumatra).

Three years ago, the government provided economic stimulus funds totaling Rp210 billion for renovation of 31 traditional markets in 20 districts/cities.

"The 210-billion budget is from the budgetary project funding lists for stimulus. Meanwhile from our (trade ministry`s) program, the 2009 budget drafted in 2008 is Rp100 billion. So, the total funds (for market renovations) will be Rp310 billion," Subagyo, the trade ministry`s domestic trade director general, said in 2009.

"Many traditional markets are very old. As long as it`s not an empty land, we call it renovation," he said, adding that Traditional markets in eriously damaged condition would get funds worth between Rp10 billion and Rp20 billion each.

In Jakarta alone, revitalization work on 151 traditional markets is expected to be completed by 2015.

"Of 151 traditional markets existing in Jakarta, 59 have been revitalized, both their physical buildings and management. All are expected to be completed in 2015," Djangga Lubis, president director of Jakarta`s traditional market management company, said last year, when accompanying former Trade Minister (now Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy) Mari Elka Pangestu during a visit to the Glodok traditional market in western Jakarta. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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