The demonstrations on Friday (4/11) has significantly affected to business and economic activities in Jakarta. The circulated issues on the demonstrations has led to unease in entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurs adapted different stances in responding to the issues. Some of them operated their stores for half day, while other stores were close.
"The today's demonstrations had caused anxiety due to the massive number of demonstrators, who came from several regions", said Vice Chairman of Jakarta branch of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kamar dagang dan industri /Kadin) Sarman Simanjorang, today (4/11).
According to Kadin, the today's demo had interrupted logistic supplies, while the visitors of malls, restaurants, and cafes increased by 50%. A number of meetings at hotel were cancelled, and some offices nearby the area of Sudirman, Thamrin, Hayam Wuruk, as well as the area nearby the first round of presidential area were close.
Most trade centers, such as Tanah Abang, HWI Glodok, Glodok Plaza, Glodok Jaya, Mangga Dua Glodok, Pasar Pagi, ITC Mangga Dua, and Cempaka Mas were close during Friday (4/11).
Thousand of store nearby the trade centers were also close today. "Some of them were open until before Friday prayer," said Sarman.
However, activities at some trade centers, which are located far from the demonstrations area, such as Pondok Indah, Citos, and Grogol were relatively normal.
In general, the demonstrations caused a total Rp 500 billion losses in trade sector. The estimation was made by calculating the average income of 20,000 stores, which were close today, that amounted to Rp 25 million per a store.
However, the demonstrations were running in an order manner and did not cause physical damages. "This proves our maturity in democracy and respect to diversity," said Sarman.
