CHALLENGES AND DYNAMICS OF THE MERDEKA FISH MARKET IN TANJUNG TIRAM, BATUBARA REGENCY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the challenges and dynamics faced by the Merdeka Fish Market in Tanjung Tiram, Batubara Regency, with a focus on the problems of street vendors who sell on the shoulder of the road. Ethnographic methods are used to deeply understand the social, economic, and environmental conditions of the market. The results of the study show that the existence of street vendors causes congestion, conflicts with official traders, and poor waste management. In addition, the lack of access to technology and information is an obstacle to increasing the competitiveness of traders. The study also found that efforts to control traders by local governments are often ineffective due to the lack of adequate alternative solutions. Therefore, better market space arrangement, infrastructure improvement, and collaboration between the government and stakeholders are needed. Recommendations include empowering traders through skills training, sustainable market management, and improving the quality of service for consumers. By implementing these suggestions, the Merdeka Fish Market is expected to function more optimally, provide benefits for all parties, and improve the economic welfare of the surrounding community. This research contributes to the development of informal economic theory and traditional market management, as well as a reference for further research on market dynamics in other regions.