Sleman Regency Aims to Make Godean Market an Economic Engine
Sleman (ANTARA) – Sleman Regent Harda Kiswaya, in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, hopes Godean Market will become a shopping destination for people from various areas and a leading driver of the local economy.
Speaking in Sleman on Friday, Harda reflected on the traders’ association’s first year as a milestone in the revival of the people’s economy, describing Godean as an iconic traditional market in western Sleman.
“Godean Market has a special appeal that is difficult for modern markets to replicate. Its strategic location, wide range of goods and affordable prices make it not only a shopping centre for local residents, but also a destination for people from neighbouring regencies such as Kulon Progo and Magelang,” Harda said at the market’s first-anniversary celebration.
He said the presence of the grand, clean and well-equipped new market building was expected to strengthen its position as a key driver of the regional economy.
Harda also praised the solidarity of the traders. Despite their busy working lives, traders and visitors had demonstrated strong social concern through humanitarian activities.
“Even amid our economic activities, we can still see concern for others growing. May the Friday Blessings meals and every drop of blood donated help those in need,” he said.
For the anniversary of Godean Market’s opening, traders, through the Godean Market Traders’ Association, provided 4,000 portions of food—including meatball soup, siomay and chicken noodles—for the public. A blood donation drive was also held.
The spirit of togetherness at the first-anniversary celebration was evident in the voluntary, self-funded activities organised by the traders.
The social initiative took place alongside a blood donation drive attended by traders, market staff and local residents. The strong turnout reflected the vitality of Godean Market, which continues to thrive through activities that benefit the community.
On the occasion, traders were also encouraged to develop adaptable sales strategies without losing the local identity and human values associated with traditional markets.