Tik Tok Shops, An Innovation that Helps

Tanah Abang Market, known as the center of commerce in Jakarta, has been a major destination for many tourists and local customers. However, with the development of technology, a number of merchants there have reported positive changes in their business thanks to the presence of TikTok Shop.

Quoted from CNN, a number of merchants in Tanah Abang mentioned that the presence of the Tik Tok Shops app has provided significant help for their business. The app allows them to reach buyers from all over Indonesia, which was previously difficult to do through conventional sales methods. This is a big change in the way they interact with customers and manage their business.

Read also: Sandiaga Uno Opposes the Total Ban on TikTok Shop in Indonesia

One of the sellers of Muslim religious supplies in Tanah Abang shared his experience. He revealed that during the Hajj, Ramadan, and Eid seasons, many people need worship supplies as souvenirs or gifts, such as prayer mats, mukena, sarongs, prayer beads, dates, and bottled zam-zam water. The existence of TikTok Shop allows them to reach a wider market during this period.

He explained, “The remaining 10 months were quiet. Now, since we have Tik Tok Shops, we focus on selling online.” With the TikTok Shop, the number of customers has increased rapidly, even covering areas outside Jakarta, including Papua, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. This not only increases their income but also provides an opportunity to introduce their products to more people.

Expansion of Conventional Selling to Tik Tok Shops

Another shop owner emphasized that TikTok Shop has helped those who previously relied solely on conventional sales to customers who come directly to Tanah Abang. “When there was a discourse to separate the selling feature on TikTok, my friends and I became confused. Why can’t we sell on social media? Even though it feels very different,” he said.

This underscores the importance of considering various aspects when planning policy changes in the evolving digital era. Separating TikTok and TikTok Shop could affect many merchants and small and medium-sized businesses that have depended on these platforms to grow their businesses.

Potential Impact of Government Policy

However, there are also concerns regarding the proposed separation between TikTok and Tik Tok Shops. TikTok affiliates also added that if this policy is implemented, the negative impact will not only be felt by sellers, but also by affiliators and MSME owners in general. This underscores the importance of considering the full business ecosystem impact when planning significant policy changes.

TikTok Shop has opened up new opportunities for merchants in Tanah Abang, allowing them to reach a wider audience and increase their income, especially during the worship season. This success illustrates the extent to which technology can positively contribute to traditional businesses and create new opportunities in the digital age. While there is talk of separating TikTok and TikTok Shop, it is important to consider the impact on businesses and the industry as a whole, while still allowing for continued innovation and growth.

Yustika Nindy Ferdiani