In brief
At the launch of the 1001 People’s Markets program in Depok, Jakarta Coordinating Minister Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar urged local authorities to maximize public spaces for MSMEs. He highlighted Indonesia’s economic potential and proposed a dedicated halal culinary street. The initiative seeks to turn public plazas into active commercial zones that broaden market access and create sustainable local employment.
Jakarta – At the launch of the 1001 People’s Markets program in Depok, West Java, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar urged local governments across Indonesia to harness public facilities as engines of economic growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Speaking to reporters on Monday, November 2, 2026, Iskandar highlighted the role of open markets and public plazas in providing MSMEs with wider access to consumers, and called on cities and districts nationwide to emulate Depok’s example.
I hope all cities and districts make as much use of public facilities as possible for MSMEs. Let’s establish as many 1001 People’s Markets as possible. God willing, our MSMEs will thrive.
The minister’s statement, issued from Jakarta, emphasized that public spaces can become vibrant economic centers, connecting local businesses with customers and broadening market reach.
Under the 1001 People’s Markets initiative, existing public facilities would transform from passive gathering spots into active commercial zones where MSMEs can showcase products, interact directly with consumers, and build brand recognition. The program seeks to leverage the infrastructure already in place – from pedestrian squares to neighborhood parks – to create a nationwide network of affordable, community‑owned selling points that complement permanent retail establishments.
Iskandar underscored that regional government support and collaboration among stakeholders – including local entrepreneurs, marketing agencies, and consumer groups – are essential to turning these public spaces into sustainable economic arteries. He urged municipal leaders to work closely with civil‑society organisations to tailor market layouts to local cultural contexts, ensuring that each 1001 People’s Markets reflects the unique character of its neighbourhood.
MSMEs must move up to the next level. Their products must meet high‑quality standards. This is for all of us.
While expanding access to space, the minister highlighted the necessity for MSMEs to meet high‑quality standards. He urged operators to improve product quality to remain competitive and earn consumer trust, stressing that quality is a prerequisite for consumer confidence and long‑term market resilience.
Iskandar pointed to Depok as a model city, noting its sizeable population, robust educational institutions, and dynamic local economy. He argued that these factors create a fertile environment for MSMEs to flourish and that the city’s evolving culinary scene presents untapped commercial opportunities. The minister described Depok’s growth trajectory as an illustration of how strategic use of public spaces can revitalize a community’s economic profile.
In addition to general market expansion, the minister proposed the creation of a dedicated Halal Street, a culinary corridor focused on halal dietary products. He envisioned a series of stalls and small restaurants offering halal‑certified foods that would attract both residents and visitors, thereby positioning Depok as a culinary destination and boosting local employment.
Minister Iskandar’s address signals a decisive shift toward leveraging public infrastructure as a catalyst for inclusive economic development. By encouraging municipalities to allocate more public space to MSMEs, he aims to create a more vibrant, equitable commercial ecosystem that benefits entrepreneurs, consumers, and the wider community alike.
