Reconstruction of Pasar Turi: A Symbol of Surabaya City's Revival
Traditional markets have played a crucial role in Indonesian society, particularly as centres of local economic activity. Since ancient times, markets have served as primary venues for traders and buyers to exchange goods and services, while also fostering close social ties between them. Markets function not only as economic transaction sites but also as social and cultural spaces that reflect traditional societal values. Traditional markets hold a strategic role in community economic development, especially in developing countries like Indonesia. Traditional markets in Indonesia have existed since the emergence of settlements or kingdoms. In the post-independence era, traditional markets have become increasingly vital in supporting the economic recovery of major cities in Indonesia. Damage to infrastructure from wars and conflicts positioned markets as a priority sector for reconstruction. These rebuilding efforts were intended not only to stimulate economic activity but also to organise urban spaces in a more structured manner.
One of the markets in Surabaya is Pasar Turi, which was formerly known as Pasar Roomberg and has become an element adorning the dynamic development of Surabaya City. Pasar Turi has evolved into a major shopping centre and is an icon of the largest market after Pasar Pabean in Surabaya during the colonial era. The market has stood since 1901, still under the name Pasar Roomberg, and in 1950, it was renamed Pasar Turi. Around 1950, a fire occurred at Pasar Turi, marking a significant critical point in the dynamics of Surabaya City’s life. The fire not only destroyed the market’s infrastructure but also paralysed the economic activities of traders who depended on the market as a goods distribution hub. As a result, traders lost their livelihoods, and the community faced difficulties in meeting daily needs. Around 1953, Pasar Turi was rebuilt and became increasingly bustling. The government has planned a further rejuvenation of this market.
The plan for rebuilding Pasar Turi, particularly the southern section, is designed in phases, adjusted to budget availability and technical planning readiness. The project includes the construction of kiosks or stalls, drainage channels, and more organised trading spaces. From the government’s efforts, it is evident that they aim not only to rebuild the market physically but also to reorganise its systems and spatial structure for greater effectiveness and functionality. Due to budget limitations, the reconstruction of Pasar Turi is being carried out in stages and with careful consideration. Despite these financial constraints, there is optimism that the project will soon be implemented and completed to restore community economic activities.
According to the Mayor’s Decree as Head of the Surabaya Municipality No. 528/K dated 4 August 1969, issued in response to the emergency conditions following the Pasar Turi fire, it states: “The Pasar Turi traders, as a result of the fire, are temporarily accommodated on Jalan Pasar Turi in front of the market, as it is difficult to find accommodation elsewhere in reality.”
The temporary placement of traders along Jalan Pasar Turi served as an emergency solution to keep the wheels of trade turning, albeit under limited conditions. However, this situation reflected the limitations of space and inadequate facilities, necessitating further organisation.
Within the market, trader associations have formed, such as HPSPT (Himpunan Pedagang Seluruh Pasar Turi) and HPMI (Himpunan Pengusaha Muslim Indonesia, based in Pasar Turi, Surabaya Municipality). Traders at the new Pasar Turi are not only indigenous but also include Indonesian citizens (WNI) and foreign nationals (WNA). These associations or groups are business units of the Badan Kontrak Pengusaha Pribumi of East Java Province. In this context, it is not related to indigenous populations from the Dutch East Indies era. The presence of various groups in the market enables integration. Their mingling in the market extends beyond mere economic interests, as they also form social bonds. However, the socio-economic conditions of traders at the new Pasar Turi still show stark differences between the strong groups (mostly WNI and WNA) and the indigenous groups.
The location of Pasar Turi, surrounded by major roads such as Jalan Pasar Turi, Tembaan Dupak, and Semarang, contributes to the economic growth of the city centre. The proximity to Tugu Pahlawan, the railway station, and the East Java provincial government offices provides additional advantages for the market. Formerly, this market was just a field where traders stopped before resuming itinerant sales around Surabaya, or a gathering of seasonal traders on open land. Additionally, it served as a stopover for traders waiting for the OJS (Oost Java Stoomtram) train to transport them back to their home regions after selling goods in Surabaya. This transformation has strengthened Pasar Turi’s position as one of Surabaya’s trading icons, inseparable from geographical factors, transportation networks, and government policies in managing and developing the market area.
The reconstruction of Pasar Turi is not merely about physical rebuilding but about reviving the social and economic functions of urban space. This reconstruction demonstrates how the government strives to restore community activities.