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Papringan Market trades amid bamboo trees
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Visitors throng Papringan Market in Central Java's Temanggung regency, located amid a stand of bamboo from which it gets its name. (JP/Stefanus Ajie)
T
he small road near the rice fields of Ngadiprono hamlet in Temanggung regency, Central Java, was unlike its typical quiet state on Sunday morning, as dozens of cars lined up along the usually empty stretch.
Customers had come to Papringan Market, a traditional market that opens once every 35 days. Its schedule is determined according to the Javanese calendar, opening only on Sundays that fall on Pon or Wage in its five-day weekly cycle.
Aside from local residents, the market also attracts visitors from big cities nearby, including Semarang, Magelang, Yogyakarta and Surakarta. With the high number of visitors, a traffic jam had formed on the small road leading to the market.
The crowd continued to grow with each passing hour, with some visitors parking 500 meters from the market. The customers, however, seemed unfazed by the inconvenience.
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The word "papringan" in Javanese means bamboo garden, appropriate to describe the outdoor market, which is located among bamboo trees. Opening at 7 a.m., vendors set up their goods on makeshift stands – also of bamboo.
The rupiah is not valid at Papringan Market, and prospective customers must exchange their rupiahs for the market's currency, pring, with Rp 2,000 (US 15 cents) equal to 1 pring.
As with other traditional markets, visitors can find fresh produce, such as chilies, corn and Chinese cabbage. Traditional snacks and beverages are also available, such as kupat tahu (chopped fried tofu served with rice cakes, blanched bean sprouts and peanut sauce), pepes (meat grilled in banana leaves), grontol (boiled corn served with grated coconut), pecel (raw vegetables with nut sauce) and jamu (herbal drinks).
Visitors can also find a variety of kitchen utensils, traditional toys and accessories made of bamboo. Not only a spot for shopping and eating, the market also has a playground constructed of bamboo, as well as a library.
Established in 2015 by a group of young Temanggung residents, Papringan Market gained popularity through social media. Singgih Susilo Kartono led the initiative to re-create the traditional market concept as a public space that would also promote the local art and culture. (liz/kes)
