Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Inspection at Batuphat Timur Market at Lhokseumawe City, Aceh Province, February 10, 2023

Journalist

Explain about your activity today, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

If I visit the market, I always come with the Governor and Mayor to inspect commodities’ prices, inflation rate, and the increase in prices of commodities and services, because this is very important. And I notice here everything goes well.

Journalist

What is the government plan for traditional market to be able to compete with modern market, Sir? This is about the competition between traditional market and modern market.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Management reform, meaning that traditional markets have to be clean, not dirty. If we talk about price competition, I’m certain traditional market is winning, as the price is not taxed, no high electricity cost as they don’t facilitate AC. They can definitely compete. All it needs is a good management, better item arrangement, clean environment, and available parking area. I think the same thing goes to other regions (traditional market).

Journalist

In your opinion, is this market clean enough? Is this market management good enough?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

You can see it yourself.

Journalist

 Thank you, Sir.

(AS/MUR)