Day out: Families crowd to Forest Market, an organic market at Dago Pakar, Bandung, West Java. (JP/Juliana Harsianti)

There was a different sight at gate III of Ir. H. Juanda Forest Park in Bandung one Saturday morning, as people jogged, cycled or just took a walk around the park commonly known as Dago Pakar. Several other people were preparing booths to sell various goods.

“We’re preparing forest stalls,” said one of those wearing an identity card of the Indonesian Organic Community, while carrying their produce. A banner reading Forest Market was spread above a small stage.

In the middle of the city forest, the community has organized an organic market or bazaar called the forest market.

Although situated slightly below public roads, the market with its row of banners was an eye-catcher.  

“We came here after reading a WhatsApp group broadcast about the forest market,” said a visitor arriving along with his friends.

“We’re having a picnic here,” said another, carrying a mat.

The booths were filled with various organic products from food, drinks and vegetables to body maintenance products.

“The Indonesian Organic Community’s Bandung chapter is only seven months old but we’ve managed to hold four events,” said Mei Ling, a representative of the city’s branch.

Information about such events has been communicated among organic-lifestyle enthusiasts and promoters, with the help of social media in disseminating information about the community and its activities.

Mei Ling indicated that the community had chosen outdoor programs.

“We choose Dago Pakar because we want to get closer to nature and also restore the function of open spaces as a means of gathering with family members,” added Mei Ling.

So far Dago Pakar, though famous, has been a place of hiking and sports, while few people hold picnics in the forest also known for its Japanese and Dutch Caves.

Later in the morning, many more had gathered to buy organic food and merchandise and enjoy picnics.

The forest market bazaar also attracted children, who were running back and forth in the woods or following a story telling session while eating.

The story was presented by Cican, a child character published in a children’s magazine under the management of Bandung’s youth community.

The figure Cican, a little girl, helped illustrate the narration of the story being told by entertainer Sogi Indra Dhuaja.

Other bazaar participants were satisfied with the market’s locations and were enthusiastic to be selling food among the natural surroundings that beautifully complemented the community’s organic credo.

“Here we have a different atmosphere with many trees, fresh air and greater freedom for children to play,” said Arsenius Sutandio, whose stall sells kombucha  (fermented tea).

“Malls are comfortable, but we have a different feeling here in the forest. It has cleaner air and children can also play on the ground rather than on chilly floors. Places with open air abound in Bandung, which can be explored by various communities for their programs,” said another visitor.

In this way, citizens of Bandung will again be accustomed to enjoying parks and open spaces, where they can gather more regularly with families and friends.

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