REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BIMA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called for increasing connectivity among traditional markets in West Nusa Tenggara, including to the newly inaugurated Amahami Market and those in other provinces.

"If possible, it should be connected with (those in) other districts and cities," Jokowi stated in his opening remarks during the inauguration of Amahami Market, here, Friday.

Connectivity would offer greater benefits to vendors and farmers, he noted.

"For instance, yesterday, when the onion prices in Jakarta were very high; here, the commodity was being sold at a moderate price. If possible, the stocks should be rushed to Jakarta, so as to increase the profits of traders and farmers here," he affirmed.

The head of state also called for transparent and professional management of traditional markets in order to boost their competitiveness to make them at par with modern markets, such as malls and shopping centers.

The renovation of Amahami Market has increased its monthly turnover from Rp200 million-Rp300 million to Rp600 million, according to Trade Minister Thomas Lembong.

The national program to renovate some five thousand traditional markets requires the support of the local governments and communities, he emphasized.

From Bima, President Jokowi and his entourage will then head to Jayapura, Papua. On Saturday, the president is scheduled to inaugurate several traditional markets in Jayapura and Sentani.

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