Denpasar (ANTARA) – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka stressed the importance of providing subsidies for staple commodity merchants at traditional markets to address price volatility and control inflation.He specifically issued a subsidy directive to the Denpasar municipal government during an official visit to Badung Market in Denpasar, Bali, on Friday, accompanied by Bali Governor Wayan Koster and Denpasar Mayor I Gusti Ngurah Jaya Negara.”I would like to urge Mr. Mayor to provide traders with subsidies for all commodities experiencing price volatility,” Gibran remarked.Taking note of trade digitalization at the traditional market, the vice president urged local authorities to expedite the initiative in pursuit of modernization and efficiency, in line with the central government’s broader trade and economic directions.Gibran added that his directives reflect President Prabowo Subianto’s order for government aides to strengthen people’s economies through responsive policies based on real needs on the ground.”The central government is committed to ensuring that traditional markets remain healthy and stable economic spaces supportive of small businesses and consumers,” he affirmed.Gibran further instructed the governments of Bali and Denpasar to take measures to maintain price stability and ensure smooth distribution of commodities in the interests of both merchants and consumers.During the visit, Gibran also held direct conversations with merchants to gather their aspirations and receive updates on pricing trends for strategic commodities.Mayor Negara confirmed that the vice president had urged the city administration to improve the distribution mechanism of the merchant subsidy program, which covers essentials such as sugar, rice, eggs, and chilies to curb inflation.”VP Gibran hoped that the subsidies would reach all traders equitably,” Negara said.