The Image of the New Johar Market – Aloon-Aloon District, Semarang

Abstract

Revitalization efforts showed a “new image”, namely as a resilient economic area, able to withstand environmental changes, safe and comfortable, which was part of sustainable development in urban areas. Semarang has been a trading city since the colonial era. One of the famous trading areas in Semarang is the Johar market district. The district has historical value. Up to now, this area is the largest traditional market in Semarang city. The Johar market building is one of the cultural heritage buildings in Semarang. There was such a big open space called Aloon-Aloon, near the Johar market. A big mosque, Kauman Grand Mosque, lies near the open space. The open space and the mosque have historical value in Semarang’s socio-cultural life. In May 2015, a big fire destroyed the buildings of Johar and Yaik markets. The building was reconstructed and renovated becoming a new Johar Market. In accordance with Aloon-Aloon’s concept, the former Yaik Market site was returned to be a public open space adapting to the current environmental and social conditions of society. In early 2022, the new market and the new public open space have been operated. This paper aims to describe images of the new Johar and Aloon-Aloon district. The paper implements a qualitative descriptive method for describing the current condition and using the theory of place related to the image of the district. The analysis utilizes pictures, and diagrams and is supported by the interview with the stakeholders. The results are a description of the new Johar – Aloon-Aloon district.