Bali’s Ubud Art Market Traders Given Support To Reopen Tourist Stalls

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Ubud Art Market traders have been given support to get back up and running again following a devastating fire in August.

Nearly 1,000 traders have recorded a loss of stock and have been left without a place to trade while police continue to investigate the cause of the fire. 

Traders on the east side of the Ubud Art Market building were worst affected, with those in the west end of the building and the top floors escaping with notably less damage.

Bank BPD Bali has sponsored temporary trading stalls for vendors to set up shop outside the front of the Ubud Art Market building.

The branded gazeboes have provided traders with shade and shelter and dedicated space to operate their businesses while a long-term plan is created to redevelop the market building. 

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The fire broke out in the basement of the Ubud Art Market building in the early afternoon of 17th August.

The basement level of the building was typically occupied by food vendors and was a grocery market used by both local community members and tourists.

In total, 986 traders were registered at the Ubud Art Market, with 419 grocery vendors regularly trading in the basement area and 567 arts and crafts traders on the first and second floor of the building. 

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The Head of Gianyar Industry and Trade, Luh Gede Eka Suary, spoke to the press following the arrival of the new temporary trader stalls.

Suary explained, “The tent is a CSR from several companies. Community leaders and those who are still selling on the sidewalk asked to open in the yard from 4 am maybe until 8 am and continue after it is [finished] and to be filled by art market traders.”

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While officials from Gianyar Regency have confirmed that support will be available for traders affected by the fire, as of yet there has been no budget assigned for support and potential relocation.

Suary confirmed that the Trade and Industry Agency has no funds to contribute to the recreation or restoration of the Ubud Art Market at this time. 

For many of the traders who have received gazeboes and permission for early morning grocery trading, this is a positive step forward.

However, many businesses in central Ubud have been left severely impacted by the fire, and it is not only market traders who have been affected. 

Restaurant owners whose eateries are located within steps of the Ubud Art Market spoke to reporters about the impact the fire has had on their business.

Restaurants, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters that the lingering smell of the fire is proving off-putting for many prospective diners. 

One local restaurant owner told reporters, “The guests had already sat at the table, but when they smelled the smell of smoke, he immediately canceled. This has happened frequently since the market fire.”

In response, the Gianyar Regional House of Representatives Member (DPRD), Made Budiasa, offered his understanding to businesses affected by the fire.

He explained, “We at the Gianyar DPRD will immediately schedule a trip to the field to find a solution to overcome this problem. Because the council’s supporting apparatus has not been formal, we can not currently act.”

Tourists are still frequenting the area and are encouraged to support local businesses as much as possible. While some traders are still able to set up their stalls in and around the Ubud Art Market, many tourists are exploring other art markets in central Ubud.

The Ubud Street Market on Jalan Karna is proving more popular with tourists than ever, as is the secret market along Jalan Arjuna.

Prianka Ubud Art Market on Jalan Kajeng is a popular stop-off for tourists embarking on the Subak Juwuk Manis Rice Field Walk.