In his speech while leading the roll call, the Mayor of Malang, who is familiarly called Abah Anton by the residents of Malang City, emphasized the importance of traditional markets as a driver of the people's economy.
"We must maintain traditional markets. This year, the Malang City Government has budgeted for the improvement of 28 markets," said Abah Anton.
Specifically for Pasar Bareng, Abah Anton hopes that this traditional market will become a center for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Therefore, the third floor of this market building is specifically designed for a culinary center typical of Malang City so that it can attract tourists. "This Pasar Bareng has not been built for a long time, that's why last year the government asked for assistance from the ministry," he said.
He added that the initial idea to build Pasar Bareng came about when conducting a social gathering with Bareng residents some time ago. Residents hoped that the market could be improved so that its condition would be comfortable for buying and selling activities. "This Pasar Bareng will be inaugurated together with the anniversary of Malang City," he added.
On this occasion, Abah Anton symbolically also handed over the market key to the trader's representative, indicating that the market was completed. After leading the troop's roll call for market cleaning, Abah Anton immediately reviewed the location and explored all corners of Pasar Bareng.
Meanwhile, the representative of Pasar Bareng traders, Arif Wahyudi, expressed his appreciation and gratitude because Pasar Bareng is now very feasible. "It has been a long time since Pasar Bareng was touched by development and we, the residents, express our gratitude to Abah Anton," said Arif Wahyudi.
He explained that the number of traders in Pasar Bareng is 203 people, but only 64 traders are active. However, because there is a revitalization of the market building, hundreds of traders are enthusiastic to revive the market. "Moreover, there is a souvenir center in Pasar Bareng, so we really support this and the road infrastructure is already decent," he said.
The revitalization of Pasar Bareng is also expected by the Head of the Malang City Trade Office, Drs. Wahyu Setianto, MM to improve the economy of traders and the surrounding community. "Although Pasar Bareng is finished, there are several improvements that we will continue to make," said Wahyu. (say/yon)
