Preserving Traditional Market in Indonesia Based on the New Public Governance Perspective

Abstract

This paper uses the new public governance concept to explore how to manage traditional markets in Indonesia, which are marginalized and threatened by modern shops and online stores. Comparative research was conducted in two markets in Yogyakarta and West Sumatra. The study employed a qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews and observations. It found that the two traditional markets are managed in a participative-democratic way, involving local culture/wisdom. The social environment contributes to the survival of traditional markets. The markets also function as a venue for social interaction, idea exchange, friendship, small talk, and political discourse. The study suggests that the management model used by these two markets should be implemented in other traditional markets in Indonesia. To strengthen the claim that the democratic-participatory model is more successful than other models, this study can be compared to research on markets managed by government agencies and those which are managed undemocratically by traders and the community.