The discourse on closing modern retail outlets such as Alfamart and Indomaret in order to strengthen village cooperatives has drawn a response from IPB University Consumer Behavior Expert Prof Ujang Sumarwan. He believes that this policy needs to be implemented selectively and not through total closure.
“Completely closing Indomaret and Alfamart is unwise. The policy must be very selective,” said the lecturer at the IPB University School of Business.
Prof Ujang stated that the policy must consider various aspects, including its impact on small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMEs) and consumers.
However, he did not deny that the absence of modern retail outlets has positive sides, especially in terms of supporting MSMEs and small entrepreneurs who open shops or grocery stores.
Therefore, he suggested that modern retail outlets should still be allowed to operate, but their locations should be restricted. According to him, outlets such as Alfamart and Indomaret should only be opened in shopping centers or malls, and not near residential areas.
“Do not open them in residential areas because they will compete directly with MSMEs and grocery stores in the vicinity, which could kill small businesses,” said Prof Ujang.
On the other hand, he acknowledged that the existence of modern retail provides benefits for consumers, such as relatively cheaper prices, more guaranteed product quality, shopping convenience, and longer operating hours.
“Consumers greatly benefit from the existence of Alfamart and Indomaret. Therefore, they should be allowed to remain open, but not in residential areas. They can be located in shopping centers,” he said.
Prof Ujang emphasized that the ban can be applied selectively, especially in rural areas or densely populated areas. Meanwhile, in shopping centers or commercial areas, modern retail outlets can still be allowed to operate.
“They don’t have to be completely closed, but regulated selectively based on location,” he reiterated. (dh) (IAAS/LAN)
