Johar Market, which caught fire over the weekend, will be revitalized based on its initial design as the government has named the traditional market - built in the 1930s - as a cultural heritage site of Semarang, Central Java, a minister has said.

Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel said on Monday that the revitalization of Johar Market must be in accordance with its initial master plan designed by Dutch architect Thomas Karsten, as the market had been a heritage building conserved by the Semarang administration.

'€œJohar Market has extraordinary cultural value. We will maintain its originality,'€ Rachmat said in Semarang on Monday.

The minister was speaking during his visit to the market, which was engulfed by a fire that spread to the nearby Yaik Market, over the weekend. Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo and Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi accompanied the minister on the visit.

Built during 1936-1938, Johar Market was acclaimed as one of most beautiful markets in Southeast Asia through to the 1950s.

Dozens of mushroom-shaped pillars made the market look beautiful and strong. The pillars remain in place, despite the blaze engulfing the market for more than 24 hours.

Responding to the question of budgetary allocations for the market'€™s revitalization, Rachmat said he could not yet provide detailed information as the Semarang administration was still calculating the budget needed to rebuild the market. (ebf)(+++)

Popular

Dancing in harmony: 75 Years of Indonesia-Thailand diplomacy

Bali to ban production of plastic sachet in 2026

Indonesia on brink of losing Lake Toba’s Global Geopark status