The Indonesian Market Traders Association (IKAPPI) responded to the widespread issue of Tanah Abang textile traders going out of business. Reynaldi Sarijowan, Secretary General of the IKAPPI DPP, said that his party had conveyed this some time ago. Where textile traders throughout Indonesia, not only in Tanah Abang, including traditional markets, have also experienced bankruptcy. "Currently we are dealing with social media that sells goods from outside, for example Thailand, China and several other countries. Meanwhile, the government does not advocate for assistance for traders to make sales in online shops either," said Reynaldi in a written statement, Tuesday (19/9).

Reynaldi said that his party hopes that the government can work together with digital platforms such as TikTok, Shopee and others to encourage the algorithm of local MSME traders to be strengthened.

"We believe that if there is support from the government and can encourage these applications to show the superiority of our MSMEs or our domestic products, it will be able to help our society or our MSMEs to survive," he said.

On the other hand, said Reynaldi, traders have to face the onslaught of foreign products whose prices are much cheaper than domestic products. Therefore, the role of government is very necessary to be able to overcome the problems currently facing MSMEs.

"Here the government's presence is expected and we are looking for solutions so that there is a common ground between the modernization of selling and can also be used by our small traders," he explained.

The fact that IKAPPI found was that there was a 60% decline in overall turnover in textile markets. Meanwhile, thematic markets such as Tanah Abang, said Reynaldi, experienced a decline of up to 75%

"We hope that the government will make serious efforts to maintain the existence of traditional markets which prioritize bargaining and friendship, even in online shops," he hoped.