Prof. Dr. Ahmad Yunani, SE, M.Si.: “Traders on the Trans Kalimantan Road Contribute to the Local Economy”
Marabahan, 4 March 2024 — The rise of traders on the Trans Kalimantan National Road, especially in Handil Bakti Village, Alalak District, Barito Kuala Regency, South Kalimantan Province, has become a concern for many parties. Regarding this phenomenon, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Yunani, SE, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), gave his response.
According to Prof. Yunani, the presence of traders along the Trans Kalimantan Road has a significant impact on the local economy. These traders not only revive Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), but also create employment opportunities and contribute to community welfare. Therefore, local governments need to take wise steps in managing this situation.
One of the solutions proposed by Prof. Yunani is about maintaining order and cleanliness. Selling time management and strict supervision need to be implemented. Even though the regulations are not permitted to sell on the street or roadside, to support the community’s economy, the prohibition must be accompanied by order and certainty in business.
“Selling schedules can be set, for example from 16.00 WITA to 12 at night. “However, it is important not to open the stall before 15.00 or before the area is clean,” said Prof. Yunani. He emphasized that a total ban could harm traders and result in the death of businesses and desertion in the Handil Bakti area. Therefore, the wise approach is to organize carefully and ensure that cleanliness and order are maintained.
Prof. Yunani also highlighted the importance of avoiding thugs’ interference in merchant arrangements. Apart from that, it is necessary to determine how many meters of road shoulder can be used for selling so that traffic is maintained smoothly.
With a balanced approach between supporting the economy and maintaining order, it is hoped that the situation of traders on the Trans Kalimantan Road can be managed well for the welfare of the community and the smooth running of activities in the area.
