President Jokowi Calls for Improvement on Traditional Markets

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited Bathupat Timur market, Lhokseumawe, Aceh, on Friday (10/02). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has urged regional governments to make headway with traditional markets in order to compete with modern markets.

The Head of State made the statement after visiting Batuphat Timur traditional market in Lhokseumawe city, Aceh province, Friday (10/02).

“If we are talking about price competition, traditional markets will surely win as they are neither charged for tax nor for high electricity cost as they don’t use air conditioners. They are up for competition. However, our traditional markets need good management, efficient arrangements of items, clean places, and comfortable parking lots. I think all traditional markets need to level up,” the President said.

The President pointed out that in every working visit he makes, he often inspects local markets to monitor prices, especially grocery prices that can trigger inflation.

“When I visit traditional markets, I always invite the governor, the mayor to check prices, inflation, price increase on goods and services because this is important,” the President said.

The President also mentioned that groceries prices at Batuphat market are relatively stable. “I notice that the prices are still reasonable here,” he said. (RF/UN) (AY/MEP)