TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama spoke of the minimarket trend in the capital. Ahok said that he cannot blame the growing trend of minimarket businesses.
"How could the number of 'Sevel' (7-Eleven convenient store) grows so rapidly? [It is] because of demands. Young people tend to hang out there. Why? because time has changed," said Ahok.
Moreover, Ahok said that the 24 hours per day service has become a necessity for Jakartans. "We leave for work in the morning. We don’t have time to go to the market. We go home at night. All traditional markets have closed [during the night]. Moreover, the prices in the minimarket are cheaper. Which one do you choose?" he said.
As for the growing number of minimarkets, Ahok said that he never gave permits to the owners, as it is the right of Jakarta mayors. He added that the Jakarta administration is now focusing to make traditional market as a comfortable place to shopping, therefore able to compete with minimarket.
