Offering a strong village atmosphere, Papringan Market has become a main tourist attraction in Temanggung, Central Java. The traditional market is called “Papringan” as it is located in the dense bamboo forests. Bamboo trees are locally known as “pring” in Kelingan, Caruban village, Kandangan, Temanggung.
Papringan Market opens once every 35 days, specifically on Sunday Wage, according to the Javanese calendar, from 6:00 a.m. until noon. Vendors display goods on bamboo-made tables called “lincak,” such as traditional culinary delicacies, vegetables and crafts produced by Caruban villagers.
Another unique aspect of the market is that it does not use rupiah banknotes or coins for transactions. To go shopping, visitors must exchange their money for bamboo-made coins, in 1 pring, 5 pring, 10 pring and 50 pring denominations. One pring is equal to Rp1,000 (US$0.08).
Papringan Market is located one kilometer from the Temanggung-Kandangan highway.
The wonderful scenery of coffee plantations along an asphalt road leading to the market is a unique feature visitors can enjoy.
It was Singgih Susilo Kartono, a local resident, who encouraged the market to promote natural products from Caruban village, especially its traditional cuisines. After finding a proper location, Singgih invited several women to sell homemade food and crafts at Papringan Market.
“All food sold at Papringan Market is organic, no MSG, artificial food coloring or preservatives. The market is a smoking free area and prohibits the use of plasticbags,” said Singgih.
First held on Jan.10, Papringan Market was previously visited by local residents only.
The market has now attracted tourists who come from outside Temanggung.
Not only generating economic profits to Caruban residents, Papringan Market also serves as a form of local wisdom, culture and natural conservations. The market has become a space where people can remember the golden era of Indonesian traditional markets. (ebf)