VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita has expressed his optimism that online trading in traditional markets would spur sound competition among vendors, because consumers could access online information on basic goods availability and prices.

The minister cited an online traditional market application developed by Pontianak's mayor as an example. The online information shows data on commodity prices in every market in the city. The public can access the information and find out the best prices offered.

"I believe in healthy competition among traders, such as the one in Pontianak. Eventually, it is the people who benefit from it. I am against this anti-monopoly," the minister remarked.

The Trade Ministry is currently developing an application that could facilitate vendors in traditional markets across Indonesia to offer their products through online services.

The online application for traditional markets is being developed with the cooperation of the Indonesian E-commerce Association (IdEA) and start-up companies.

The minister hoped that the application would be ready for operation this year. (ANTARA)