TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta-owned market operator PD Pasar Jaya decided to shut down Tanah Abang shopping area temporarily in a bid to prevent the widespread of coronavirus infection. Market areas affected by the closure are Blok A, Blok B, and Blok F starting March 27 until April 5, 2020.

"Blok G market remains open. But it will be limited for traders selling foods," said the managing director of PD Pasar Jaya, Arief Nasution, through a written statement on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

According to Arief, the number of market visitors ahead of Ramadan always rose sharply. They come not only from Jakarta and surrounding areas but also from overseas. Therefore, Arief felt the need to close Southeast Asia's largest textile market despite being carried out during a high season.

"We have talked with them so there has been a mutual understanding. Traders and the management agreed to close the market area until the set time," Arief said.

Arief claimed that since the beginning of the outbreak, PD Pasar Jaya had taken a number of measures to minimize the spread of the virus in the city wholesale market.

Since Jakarta was dealing with the coronavirus outbreak, the market operator restricted the entry access of the Tanah Abang market, provided hand sanitizer in every entrance, and sprayed disinfectant in the areas. Every trader and visitor was required to pass the thermal scanner, too, Arief added.

IMAM HAMDI