Field notes

Overhaul for 300-year-old Jakarta market

Some vendors sell bags and other items on the street in front of Pasar Senen as they cannot get temporary shops provided by the market operator. The sprawling Pasar Senen complex, Jakarta's legendary market known for cheap second-hand goods, is locat
Some vendors sell bags and other items on the street in front of Pasar Senen as they cannot get temporary shops provided by the market operator. The sprawling Pasar Senen complex, Jakarta's legendary market known for cheap second-hand goods, is located in the heart of the capital and has a history going back nearly three centuries.ST PHOTO: LINDA YULISMAN

Jakarta's famous Pasar Senen will be getting a $46 million revamp to transform it into a 21st-century tourist icon, but some vendors fear it will lead to higher rentals and a loss of ambience.

Published: 
Oct 6, 2018, 5:00 am SGT
Indonesia Correspondent
ylinda@sph.com.sg

Along a narrow path between a bus terminal and a worksite where heavy machinery is busy at work, a crowd of people brave the scorching sun to browse at a makeshift collection of second-hand book stalls.

The stalls are tucked into a corner of Pasar Senen, Jakarta's legendary market known for cheap second-hand goods ranging from clothing to electronics, including from Singapore.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 06, 2018, with the headline 'Overhaul for 300-year-old market '. Print Edition | Subscribe
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