T

he administration of Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, says it will revitalize three more traditional markets this year in a drive to attract more tourists.

Among the markets slated for renovation is the Elpabes Market, which sells electronic goods, clothing and used goods.

Plans call for Elpabes, named after the goods sold therein — electronics, pakaian and barang bekas — to be transformed into a tourist destination in the manner of Triwindu Market, which specializes in antiques, and Gedhe Market, which was previously revitalized.

“By the end of this year, hopefully we can hold the bidding for the project so that the work can start as soon as possible,” Surakarta Market Management Agency head Subagyo said on Thursday.

Renovation of the market, according to Subagyo, would reflect Surakarta’s unique character and include renovating its basement and parking lot to accommodate automobile electronics vendors.

Subagyo said that Rp 9 billion (US$932,642) has been allocated to revitalize the market — its first renovation since it was opened in the 1980s.

Conditions at the market have declined: Sanitation is poor and the roof is leaky, forcing traders to close when it rains.

Elpabes currently accommodates 200 traders, some of whom have been working at the market for decades.

“Since I first opened up shop here, no revitalization has been done,” Gozhali, a used motorcycle spare parts vendor said. He claimed to have been at Elpabes since 1988.

Plans also call for some 30 street vendors operating around Elpabes to be accommodated inside the market after work is complete.

Two other traditional markets have also been earmarked for renovations: Pasar Gilingan, which will get an Rp 11 billion face-lift, and Pasar Kliwon, which will get a Rp 7 billion makeover.

“We will maintain our consistency by improving traditional markets to make them more competitive than modern markets,” Subagyo said.

Revitalization would transform traditional markets into tourist destinations, which could help them survive amid the mushrooming of modern markets, he added.

Triwindu Market, for example, has now become a special market for antiques, while Klewer Market has grown into one of the biggest centers for wholesale and retail trading of batik products in the nation.

Surakarta is home to 43 traditional markets, 17 of which have been revitalized.

Revitalization has been done in phases according to the available budget. The total allocation for market revitalization this year is Rp 27 billion.