Robert Go, Jakarta – While the KPPU anti-monopoly commission is concerned that mini-mart chains such as Indomaret are driving out smaller retailers, the views expressed by individual shopkeepers tell a different story.

Mr Rian Ariska sells cigarettes and snacks from a street-side stall right next to an Indomaret shop in West Jakarta. "I opened shop here six months ago on purpose. It was already a busy junction, with lots of people traffic. Part of it is the Indomaret store next door," he said. "My prices are the same, and sometimes are cheaper than inside, so people who know that still come to me."

Ms Nani Kristyawati, a spokesman for Indomaret, said Indomaret locations could co-exist with traditional provision shops through franchising. Of Indomaret's total 506 operating stores in the urban centres of Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya, 142 are franchises operated by individual shopkeepers.

"The franchise option started in 1997 and is a definite way in which we can offer cooperation with the local communities and traditional retailers."