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Comparing Traditional Markets in Australia and Indonesia

Traditional market in Denpasar, Bali. Source: Bali Travel Hub

Traditional markets speak culture. They are a way of appreciating each individual country and what resources are valuable to them. In order to better understand culture and maintain an appreciation for the standard daily life of individuals from diverse countries. It helps to look at things or places that play a role in shaping the country. In this instance, traditional markets. In this article, I will explore the differences in traditional markets in both Australia and Indonesia, from an Australian perspective.

Traditional market in Denpasar, Bali. Source: Sky Bali Tours

As a member of the younger generations, markets have never been a main part of life. We have few markets with local produce in Victoria and it is rarely seen as a necessity, but more like an excuse to have fun. There are events for the public at the Victoria market, for example the ‘Winter Night Market’ where many people go to try food from all around the world. It is fun, it is delicious, but it is very different from the traditional markets I have visited in Bali, Indonesia.


Traditional market in Victoria. Source: asiastyle.asia

In Australia, we go to the supermarket to buy our produce. It is the most common way. It is simple, practical and easy. However, in Bali, traditional markets are a different world. They are the main source of produce for most Balinese people. Most produce is fresh, with meat being sourced within hours of selling. They are a way to bond with the community, and they are a part of daily life. Whilst they are equivalent to supermarkets in Australia, there are still many supermarkets in Bali, the only difference being that its target customers are mostly tourists and upper middle class society.

An important part about comparing these markets, comes down to how they function, and most importantly how they manage their waste. We are living in a period of time, where most of our attention needs to go in focusing on how we are contributing to our environment, both positive and negative. Unfortunately, from my experiences, markets are a prominent contributor to excessive plastic waste in Bali.


Traditional market in Victoria. Source: great sight

All over the world, plastic is used, and we are all guilty of turning to plastic when we are too lazy to find a more sustainable tool, or even if plastic is the only alternative. I have found that plastic at traditional markets in Bali are used excessively, and it is disappointing to see that the community does not see just how much damage they are doing to the environment by using plastic for absolutely everything. From my experiences at Australian markets, most produce is displayed and available for customers to select what they want, and then put it into a bag. Many traditional markets in Bali have also banned single use plastic bags, but this does not stop the occasional shopper who forgets to bring their reusable bag. As markets are not a common way to go shopping in Australia, it does not pose as big a threat to the environment as the traditional markets in Bali. 
 
As a community, it is important to start learning more about how to care for the environment. Everything we do in life has a consequence, in this instance, as visit to the market is doing more harm to the environment that you can imagine. Next time you go shopping, take some time to observe how plastic is being used, and how you can be a positive influence in reducing your plastic usage. 

Writer: Karina Rice (student internship of PlastikDetox)
Editor: Luh De Dwi Jayanthi (coordinator of PlastikDetox)