Lombok Government Orders Closure Of 25 Modern Retail Stores For Violating Local Regulations

The Central Lombok Regency government has ordered the closure of 25 modern retail outlets—18 Alfamart and seven Indomaret stores—after determining they violated local regulations on market proximity and spatial planning. The closures, effective since May 11, 2026, follow a cross-agency review under Local Regulation (Perda) No. 7 of 2021, which restricts modern retail outlets from operating within 1 kilometer of traditional markets. Officials gave operators until May 16 to voluntarily shut down, after which permanent closures will be enforced.

The affected stores are spread across 10 sub-districts in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). Head of the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) Zaenal Mustakim confirmed the closures were based on a study by multiple government agencies, including the Licensing Service, Trade Office, and Public Works and Spatial Planning (PUPR). “The local government must enforce Perda 7,” Mustakim stated, emphasizing that the decision aimed to protect small traders in traditional markets.

Secretary of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Agency (DPMPTSP) Helmi Qazwaini added that the closures were part of broader efforts to regulate the retail sector in line with spatial planning laws. While the government has allowed operators a one-month grace period, Mustakim warned that non-compliance would result in permanent shutdowns.

The move reflects ongoing tensions between modern retail expansion and traditional market preservation in Indonesia, where local governments increasingly enforce spatial planning laws to curb unregulated commercial development. Similar crackdowns have been reported in other regions, though Central Lombok’s action stands out for its targeted focus on franchise supermarkets near traditional markets.

No immediate statements from Alfamart or Indomaret were available at the time of publication. The government has not yet specified whether legal challenges or appeals will be permitted during the closure period.