2,600 Traditional Markets Rehabilitated in 3.5 Years: President Jokowi

President Jokowi visits Kranggan traditional market in Yogyakarta, Wednesday (25/7). (Photo by: Public Relations Division/Fitri).

During his working visit to Yogyakarta province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday (25/7) visited the newly-rehabilitated Kranggan traditional market.

“This traditional market has been rehabilitated, but I also received a suggestion from Head of the Market Agency to rehabilitate another traditional market in Prawirotaman. We will probably rehabilitate the market as well. God willing, we will do it in 2019,” the President said to reporters after the visit.

According to the President, rehabilitation of traditional markets needs to be done as some of them are still wet and dirty and added that the Government has rehabilitated around 2,600 traditional markets in almost 3,5 years.

President Jokowi also hopes that traditional markets must be in good condition. “Everything has to be neat. It must also have a parking lot, for example. The interior of the market must also be well arranged. It must not be dirty and smelly so they can compete with modern markets and modern retailers,” the President said.

In the meantime, President Jokowi expressed his hopes that the Kranggan market can be further revamped to make it even neater.

On a lighter note, during the visit to the market, President Jokowi bought emping (nut cracker) and cipir (winged bean). “Those two items that I bought cannot be found elsewhere,” the President said.

President Jokowi arrived at the market at 9.30 am local time. The residents and the vendors at the market enthusiastically welcomed the President to shake hands and take a photo with him. President Jokowi also gave away batik fabric to the residents and the vendors.

Joining the President during the visit were Minister of State Secretariat and Yogyakarta Governor Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. (DNA/EN) (/EP/Naster)