Hargo.co.id, GORONTALO – Bananas are among the most beloved fruits in the Gorontalo community.
Often chosen as a dessert or enjoyed as a snack with roasted peanuts, bananas are also a popular ingredient in various local treats in Gorontalo.
This is one of the reasons why Ratna (50) became a banana vendor at the Central Market in Gorontalo City.
Ratna explained that she sells various types and prices of bananas. Typically, a bunch of Gapi bananas is sold for IDR 30,000. Meanwhile, Kepok bananas, also known as pagata bananas, are sold for IDR 15,000 to IDR 20,000 per bunch.
There are also Javanese bananas sold for IDR 10,000 per bunch, while Goroho bananas are priced between IDR 10,000 and IDR 15,000, depending on their size.
“I buy these bananas from trucks in Marisa and Paguyaman. If they run out there, I also usually buy from South Bolmong,” said Ratna.
From the sales of bananas, Ratna claims to make a profit of one to three million rupiahs in a single transaction.
“If it’s busy, it can reach IDR 3 million. Sometimes, if it’s quiet, only IDR 1 million. But lately, it’s always busy, many buyers.”
Ratna stated that she has been selling bananas since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit Gorontalo and other parts of Indonesia. She experienced a significant drop in turnover at that time.
However, she made efforts to ensure her business did not come to a halt back then.(*)
Author: Ahmad Badu/Intern Student
Editor: Sucipto Mokodompis
