Trade Ministry Builds Seven Markets along RI-Timor Leste Border

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara (Antara NTT) - The Trade Ministry has built seven traditional markets along the border shared by Indonesia and Timor Leste, according to a local official.

"The seven traditional markets include Metamasin, Batugede/Motaain and Metamauk, as well as Turiskain in Belu District," Simon Tokan, head of the trade office of East Nusa Tenggara Province, stated here on Wednesday.

The others are Wini, Napan, and Oelbinose markets located in the North Timor Tengah District, which shares its border with the Oecusse-Ambeno District in Timor Leste.

However, several markets have not been operating optimally, he said, citing the example of Batugede/Mota Ain.

Batugede/Mota Ain market was officially inaugurated in February 2012, but so far, no Timor Leste vendors sell their commodities in the market.

There is high demand for Indonesian commodities among Mota Ain residents, but the market opens once a week only, he pointed out.

The Trade Ministry has studied the problems related to traditional markets located in the border area and found that the markets are located far from residential areas and access to the markets is quite difficult.

Consumption goods have been exempted from taxes in these markets.