Rapid infrastructure development and the expansion of supermarkets in many countries have significantly affected the retail sector, particularly small local businesses that struggle to compete. Some people believe that the closure of local businesses will lead to the death of local communities. However, I strongly disagree with this view.
On the one hand, In this competition era, the businessman or entrepreneur should think smart how to development their business, either massive or local on the right track for keep alive. This condition is happened in all over the world, especially in Jakarta, Indonesia. Lot of big developer, not only Indonesian developer, but also the international developer shows prospect business to develop of supermarket because they already did market research, because of that their not to hesitate to invest in Jakarta. Mostly, their build the supermarket in central business district, part of famous department store, or sometimes in the city center of cluster of housing.
On the other hand, for competing this situation, the government inviting the local entrepreneur for working together to make a business plan, which this plan to develop local business can compete, survive, and reach of a lot profit. Several example project that can survive until now is revitalization of traditional market to modern market such as in Santa Market in South Jakarta. This market transformation to more modern and comfortable, their not only provide the vegetables, fruits, or the basic human needs, but also provide with coffee shops, caffe, and bakery shop inside the building. Another example is the Blok M District, currently being a one stop entertainment and life style, specifically for young generations.
In conclusion, small and local business can compete with expansion of massive supermarket. In addition, it making a lot of profit, keeping alive of local communities, and staying sustainable.