OPTIMALISASI PROGRAM KEPATUHAN PERSAINGAN USAHA DALAM MENANGGULANGI PRAKTIK PERSAINGAN USAHA TIDAK SEHAT ANTAR PELAKU USAHA DI PASAR TRADISIONAL (Studi Kasus di Pasar Tradisional Peterongan Kabupaten Jombang)

Healthy business competition serves as the primary foundation for achieving a fair and balanced economic system. As hubs of local economic activity, traditional markets often face challenges in the form of unfair business practices, which can harm small traders and destabilize the local economy. This study employs an empirical juridical approach to directly observe the issues at hand, addressing two main research questions: (1) How Effective is the Law in Regulating Policies Prohibiting Price Setting Below Market Prices, and (2) what measures can optimize compliance programs for fair competition to prevent and address these practices. The findings indicate that unfair business practices in Peterongan Market stem from low legal literacy among traders, unequal access to information, and weak regulatory oversight. Common practices include unfair price setting, discriminatory allocation of trading areas, and monopolization of market resources. The implementation of compliance programs for fair competition at the traditional market level remains suboptimal due to insufficient outreach and education targeted at small traders. The study concludes that fair competition compliance programs play a vital role in fostering a healthy and competitive business climate. However, these programs require strengthening through community-based approaches, legal literacy training for small traders, and enhanced coordination among the Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU), local governments, and market managers. The study recommends more rigorous regulatory oversight, localized educational programs, and incentives for businesses that adhere to the principles of fair competition to create a more just and sustainable business environment.