Pasar Rakyat Bangsri Finally Officially Opened
Jepara Kartininews.com - The long wait of thousands of traders has finally been fulfilled with the inauguration of the new Pasar Bangsri on Wednesday (29/4/2026). The people’s economic center building, which had been stalled for eight years, is expected to revive the pulse of traditional trade in Jepara.
The opening ceremony of the public facility was lively. Thousands of residents gathered to attend the tasyakuran prayer event, which also marked the start of the large-scale relocation of traders.
Jepara Deputy Regent Muhammad Ibnu Hajar emphasized that this inauguration is the real manifestation of the residents’ long-delayed hopes since 2018.
“The people of Bangsri have been waiting for eight years to move from the old market to the new one. Today, it has finally been realized,” he told Joglo Jateng.
To Prevent Dualism, the Old Market Will Be Demolished
To centralize the flow of money and prevent dual market locations, the regional government plans to completely close the operations of the old market. The former market land will later be converted into a Green Open Space (RTH).
“The old market should not continue operating. If possible, it should be closed, cleaned up, or even demolished so that everything focuses on the new market,” he added.
In addition, the public transport terminal facility is also scheduled to be relocated to the new market area to create a single, integrated, and adequate economic zone.
A total of 1,354 traders now occupy the new facility. The breakdown includes 116 front kiosks, 688 inner kiosks, 336 dry stalls, 180 wet stalls, and 34 spare parts kiosks.
Head of the Jepara Industry and Trade Office (Disperindag), Anjar Jambore Widodo, guaranteed that the relocation process prioritizes long-time legitimate traders and is free from illegal levies (pungli).
“From the thousands of traders, we are focusing all of them on moving here. There are no illegal fees — everything is transparent,” he said.
Traders Praise the More Comfortable Facilities
For the traders, this relocation brings its own fresh breeze. Intan Reza Melani (27), a third-generation clothing trader, assessed that the new location is much cleaner, wider, and more strategic because it is located on the roadside.
She compared it to the old place, which had already become messy. The rental costs are still considered reasonable for businesses that combine offline and online sales.
“For rentals, it’s around Rp 1 million per year for those who already have a name. Here, I use 2 shop houses, and my mother uses 9,” she explained.
As an improvement, Chairman of the Bangsri Market Association, Nur Kholis, urged the regional government not to stop at just inaugurating the physical building. He pushed for the provision of supporting infrastructure such as lighting, loudspeakers, and an integrated security system.
“I hope they add CCTV so that our goods are safe,” he said.
