VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

West Java Governor M. Ridwan Kamil inaugurate two revitalized traditional markets in Cirebon District, Friday (March 4, 2022). (ANTARA/HO-PR of W Java gov't) - 

West Java Governor M. Ridwan Kamil highlighted that the West Java provincial government had revitalized as many as 21 out of the 25 targeted traditional markets in the province.

"So far, out of the 25 traditional markets targeted for revitalization, 21 markets have been revitalized with funds worth Rp229.7 billion from the financial assistance of the West Java Provincial Government," Kamil noted in a press statement on Saturday.

Recently, the governor inaugurated two traditional markets in Cirebon District that were revitalized: the Pasalaran Market and Weru Snacks Market.

"It is special. Usually, I only inaugurate one market, but now, (I inaugurate) two markets in Cirebon at the same time," he noted.

The cost to revitalize Pasalaran Market reached Rp9.2 billion, and while Rp13.5 billion was used for revitalization of the Waru Snacks Market.

Meanwhile, in 2022, one traditional market in West Java will be revitalized with funding of Rp4 billion.

Kamil affirmed that the West Java government will continue to revitalize markets in order to revive the people's economy affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor explained that the traditional market revitalization program targeted to improve conditions in markets, so that they are no longer dirty and chaotic. Thus, residents will feel more comfortable while visiting traditional markets.

A non-cash payment system in Pasalaran Market makes it special.

The market manager cooperated with Bank Indonesia and Bank BJB to use the Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard (QRIS) for payment.

By using QRIS, buyers can make payments in a faster, safer, and easier manner in the traditional market that has around 1,400 merchant booths.

"This is the second target where people no longer have to pay in cash but by non-cash means through QRIS, which will become the new standard," Kamil remarked.

He assessed that currently, most people already use smartphones and have a broad understanding of the digital world.

To this end, Kamil is optimistic that people would gradually move over to conducting digital transactions as a new practice//ANT