People's market drives local economy: Sayed Jafar

Kotabaru, South Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Regent of Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, Sayed Jafar said that people's market is a driver of the local economy.

Sayed Jafar made his remarks as he inaugurated two villages markets in Tarjun Village and Mandala Village in Kelumpang Hilir Sub-district.

"The existance of a market, especially this village market, is one of the obvious indicator of people economy in the area. By being alive, the village market certainly contributes to economic growth in the village," he said as reported here on Thursday.

The presence of Tarjun Jaya Village Market and Sumber Rezeki in Mandala Village, he said, will help improving the economy of community around them, especially traders.

In the midst of the rise of modern markets, people's market continue to survive by having superior prices agreed upon as a result of bargaining between buyers and sellers.

The Government of Kotabaru provides the markets to create people's economy as well as to revitalize them so they can compete with modern markets.

"After this market is inaugurated, we hope all elements of the market, traders, buyers, can work together to maintain cleanliness, facilities, and security, and to provide friendly and satisfying service. It is not impossible that people will prefer to shop at traditional markets rather than modern markets," said Sayed Jafar.

Mandala Village Head Jumari explained that for aproximately eight years the village residents had waited for this market. So far, traders have been selling on the side of road.

"We Mandala residents are very happy with the inauguration of the market," said Jumari.

He hopes the market will be able to support the local community economy, grow micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM) so that people can improve their living standard for the better.