President Jokowi Inaugurates Revitalized Bali’s Sukawati Art Market

President Jokowi accompanied by a number of ministers inaugurates Sukawati art market, in Gianyar, Bali, Wednesday (01/02/2023). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

As part of his working visit in Bali province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (02/01) inaugurated Sukawati art market in Gianyar regency.

The President expressed hope that the market would be widely known following its revitalization.

“I hope the reputation of Sukowati as a public market could be well-established in the future,” he said, adding that the revitalization that spent a budget of Rp160 billions significantly changed the face of the market, including the arrangement of Bali’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises products.

“I noticed a drastic change in the products arrangement. Products made by Balinese artists and MSMEs are sold here,” he said.

The President also expressed hope the market would brace for a rise in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals in the resort island as the Government revoked public activity restrictions in December last year.

Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono reported that the revitalization of the market, which began in 2020 and was completed in 2022, is more than building a market, but also providing the facilities.

“We did not only construct a building, but also provided facilities for the market, such as basement parking space to ease congestion. We also provided more stalls to accommodate more vendors so it can be more comfortable for both domestic and foreign tourists,” he remarked.

Built in around the 1980s, the market sells various Balinese art crafts such as beaded sandals, clothing, bags, paintings, wooden sculptures, and many others. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (AIT/UN)(RAS/EP)