Pasar Papringan (Photo: Syahroni)
TEMANGGUNG, BINADESA.ORG–Behind the beauty and peace of village life, there are often many problems that hinder a village’s potential. That is why Singgih Susilo Kartono initiated Papringan market (Pasar Papringan) in Dusun Kelingan, Caruban Village, Temanggung, Central Java. “The role of the village in building sustainable living is very significant now and in the future”, said Singgih.
Singgih, who is also the founder of Spedagi, a bamboo-based bicycle, launched Pasar Papringan after reflecting on how to create added value while protecting the bamboo forest where he sources his bicycle materials. Together with others in the village, he set up the market for local agricultural products and handicrafts produced in the bamboo forest without destroying the forest itself.
Pasar Papringan is located in the empty spaces inside the bamboo forest. Started on 10 January 2016, the market is open every 35 days on “Sunday Wage” (market day on the Javanese calendar). The rest of the time, the market location is used as a public space for other activities. Singgih hopes that by reviving the space inside the bamboo forest, villagers will see the forest as convenient space for daily activities.
“This market is quite unique and provides an alternative for community income generation. Almost all the traders are local villagers, who sell local and healthy culinary products, handicrafts, coffee and local farm produce. You can even find a bamboo-based bike here, and no plastic bags”, said Francisca Callista, a graduate from Chiba University, Japan, who now helps run the market. Francisca explains that one of the unique aspects of this market is that it uses its own currency made from bamboo. This is as an effort to integrate efforts to revitalize the village landscape and agriculture.
As the market becomes known, it is beginning to attract consumers from surrounding districts and provinces. The revenue from the 8th market day of Pasar Papringan reached almost US$2,000. Through this market, village resources are not taken away from the village, but rather produced, managed and consumed inside the village and enjoyed by the villagers.(###)
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