VP inspects Mbongawani Market to ensure its operational readiness

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka reviewed the revitalised Old Mbongawani Market in Ende District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Thursday (June 18) to ensure the market operational readiness.

According to a statement received here on Friday, the market is expected to become an economic growth center for the local community, in line with President Prabowo Subianto's instruction.

The revitalisation of the Old Mbongawani Market, which began in late December 2023, was completed in March 2026.

The dry market now provides 85 kiosks, each measuring 2 x 3 meters, and is scheduled to begin operations at the end of June 2026, following the handover process and distribution of keys to traders.

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During the visit, Gibran emphasised the importance of accelerating the utilisation of the completed facilities, so that the benefits can be felt by the community as soon as possible.

Head of Trade and Industry Office in Ende District, Mohamad Syahrir, explained the regional government is currently completing the administrative process for the transfer of assets before the market can begin operations.

"Currently it is not yet in use because it is still in the transition period of handover. Once the handover process is completed, we expect to be able to relocate the traders within one to two days," Syahrir stated.

He added the Old Mbongawani Market is a dry market that is part of the development of Ende's commercial area. Meanwhile, the construction of a wet market located near the revitalised area still requires support from the central government.

"This is the construction of a dry market. As for the wet market, which serves as the main market, it is located around 50 meters from here. We have also submitted a proposal to support its continued development," he noted.

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Translator: Fathur, Kenzu

Editor: Fransiska Ninditya

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