TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo pledged he would continue to promote the Block G building at the Tanah Abang Market. He said he already ordered the city-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya to organize weekend events in conjunction with the Tourism and Culture Ministry.

“It could be small concerts or other cultural performances,” Jokowi said at the City Hall on Monday, September 2, 2013. He said the goal of the promotions was to entice people to come to the market.

Jokowi said he would also promote Block G in both print and television media through advertisements to familiarize Jakartans with the newly-inaugurated block.

Jokowi said he also instructed PD Pasar Jaya to transform the block into an appealing shopping center. One of the means to do this, he added, was by holding lotteries. “Don’t be inferior to malls. Prepare a car for the grand prize and display it in front of the gate,” he said.

Jokowi also promised he would build a food court selling traditional Jakarta dishes for shoppers at the block.

PD Pasar Jaya chief Djangga Lubis said he was set to promote the block and would provide ATMs for consumers. “We will also set up WiFi,” he said.

Jokowi and Djangga had called on the vendors to abide the regulations to help them promote the block. The governor asserted the vendors should keep the block clean at all times. “Don’t go complaining to the government if there’s flood because of this,” he said. Djangga also reminded the vendors not to transfer their stalls to others.

SYAILENDRA