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Finding Stability in Change: How Traditional Markets Anchor My Memories
In a world that is constantly changing, traditional markets have become one of my most cherished emotional anchors, offering a steady connection to my past.
This morning, I found myself riding in a bajay, heading to the pasar, a traditional market near my home. Bajajs are small, compact, three-wheeled motorized vehicles commonly used for short-distance trips in Jakarta, Indonesia.
As I arrived at the market, I headed straight to the second floor. The market was noticeably quieter. I wandered along the aisles, not searching for anything specific but simply observing the glassware and kitchen utensils displayed.
Some sellers greeted me and offered me to come inside and look around. Other sellers seem a bit lazy, sitting inside their kiosks listening to the radio or watching videos on their mobile phones, or chatting with neighboring sellers.
About half of the kiosks were empty. Some were closed during or after the pandemic as an effect of the public gathering restrictions and economic situation that followed. Others closed gradually, unable to compete with the rapid rise of e-commerce.
At one kiosk, I impulsively bought two porcelain bowls, thinking they might even boost my appetite with their traditional Indonesian design (though, of course, they were made in China).
The vendor stated the price, and I bargained slightly, more out of politeness than necessity. In some traditional markets, not bargaining at all can sometimes be seen as rude, almost as if you’re signaling that you’re too wealthy to care about the…
