Klojen, MC – In the inauguration of the traditional market at Oro-oro Dowo Market, Malang City, Friday (1/4), Indonesian Minister of Trade Thomas Trikasih Lembong gave his appreciation and praised the cleanliness and comfort in the market. Not only that, Minister Thomas will also make this market one of pilot project national market.
The revitalization process of Oro-oro Dowo Market is funded by the Indonesian Ministry of Trade. According to Minister Thomas, Oro-oro Dowo Market is one of the people's markets that meets national standards with various facilities such as toilets, breastfeeding places, security, comfort and air circulation.
"Indeed, traditional markets must be like this in order to continue to exist and be able to compete with modern markets. However, traditional markets should not compete head-on with modern markets. People's markets must utilize their strengths, namely in terms of tradition and the merchandise sold. A variety of hygienic culinary and snacks that modern markets do not have," explained Minister Thomas.
He added that currently the government is launching a revitalization program (development) of 1.000 traditional markets. The budget prepared for 2016 is around Rp 1,7 trillion, and over the past 1,5 years, 1.400 traditional markets have been revitalized. "Traditional markets must remain amidst the emergence of many modern markets," continued Minister Thomas.
With the revitalization of this traditional market, he continued, it is hoped that the income of traders can increase two to three times from before. "We will continue to make the latest innovations to boost productivity in this traditional market. One of the efforts is what is being done in the Oro-oro Dowo Market which is collaborating with BRI in the use of electronic money or e-money," he added.
"Such innovation is very good and must continue to be developed. Buyers no longer need to carry cash when going to the market, because the level of risk and security is very minimal. The presence of special security officers in the market, official parking attendants, and the presence of the government in traditional markets greatly supports the development and progress of these traditional markets," explained the man who earned a degree in architecture and urban planning from Harvard University.
Meanwhile, Malang Mayor H. Moch. Anton admitted that he was proud of the inauguration of the Oro-oro Dowo traditional market by the Indonesian Minister of Trade. "In the future, we will continue to make maximum efforts to preserve the existence of this traditional market. Later, the revitalization of Pasar Bareng will soon follow," concluded the man who is familiarly called Abah Anton. (say/yon)
