The History Of The Famous Johar Market In Southeast Asia

JAKARTA - Semarang has many old markets. Johar Market is one of them. The place of economic cycle was built by the Dutch East Indies government with the involvement of the cool hand of architect Thomas Karsten. The result is beautiful. He creates a unique architectural mushroom roof. That said, the Johar market is hailed as the most beautiful market in Southeast Asia. Plus the historical value adds to the classic impression of this market.

There is a lot of money circulating in the market. The Dutch East Indies colonial government realized this. The existence of the market is considered as the engine driving the economy. Moreover, as long as the Netherlands exists, their minds tend to be traditional.

The Dutch think only about the maximum profit. Therefore, the presence of a market is one of the important elements that must exist in each colonized city. Semarang, for example. The initiation of market establishment is encouraged. Johar market emerged as the result.

Market development is carried out in a professional manner. Not perfunctory. The famous Dutch architect, Thomas Karsten was involved. The involvement of the architect who later became known to be pro-independence was not without reason. He has a classy track record. A series of public buildings -- from Batavia to Medan are his works.

Thomas Karsten then considered the construction of Pasar Johan as a challenge. He also adopted a variety of cultures to give a contemporary touch in the architecture of Johar Market: Nusantara and Europe. By him, Johar Market was given a touch of the mushroom roof architectural style. The market is popular. Especially when Johar Market was first inaugurated in 1839.

“Johar Market has an important meaning for Semarang City. The market which is located in the middle of the city not only has economic value, but also has historical value. The existence of Johar Market cannot be separated from the long history of Semarang City. Johar Market was completed in 1839 by Ir. Thomas Karsten Architect from the Netherlands.”

“This market is a market located in the eastern part of the city center (open space which is now Ya'ik Market) lined with rows of johar trees on the edge of the road (so the market is called Johar Market). It is said that Johar Market was once famous, as the most beautiful market in Southeast Asia. Because of the unique architectural model with mushroom construction,” said Mohammad Agung Ridlo in the book Mengupas Problema Kota Semarang Metropolitan, 2016.

Johar Market occupies land to the east of the square. Coincidentally, at that time the east of the square was lined with Johar trees. This market is also given the same name. Because at that time it was customary to give the name of a public place with the name of the plant or tree that dominated an area.

The architect, Thomas Korsten, did not remove the Johar tree much. After all, he has a distinctive style that always places the narrative of coexistence with the environment. Apart from being concerned with the environment, Thomas Korsten also often values human values. These two things became the main guidelines in spawning his masterpiece.

He never neglects the interests of low-income groups in the market. Instead, it gives space. Thanks to Thomas Karsten's performance, Johar Market was transformed into a melting pot. Not only as a place of trade, but able to transform as a melting pot of various cultures.

“Johar Market is the work of Dutch architect Thomas Karsten with unique mushroom columns. This market is a tropical architecture, without air conditioning but still feels fresh, without lights but still bright. Johar Market can also be a source of inspiration for the creation of energy-efficient architectural works. This is different from malls, supermarkets, department stores, and shopping centers which tend to waste energy.”

“No less important is the fate of thousands of traders in and around Johar Market. Westerners say: Behind every building that you see, there are people that you don't see. Very wise, behind every building you see there are people you don't see," wrote Tempo Magazine's report entitled Gonjang-Ganjing Pasar Johar, 2007.

Be a witness to history

Johar market is not only rich in economic value. It is also rich in historical values. Many historical events happened at Johar Market. The Five-Day Battle that took place from 15-19 October 1945 was one of them. The tense battle brought together the people of Semarang and former Japanese soldiers.

The incident was triggered by two reasons. The first reason was the escape of Japanese soldiers who had been employed at the Cepiring sugar factory, which was located about 30 kilometers from the city of Semarang. Second, because of the death of Doctor Karyadi.

Based on the investigation, the doctor was shot and killed by Japanese soldiers while carrying out the task of inspecting one of the springs in Semarang. He did this job because there were rumors that Japan had spread the poison. Inevitably, the anger of the people of Semarang burned. They then retaliated against the former Japanese soldiers.

“On October 14, 1945, in the already tense situation, 400 Japanese prisoners escorted by the Indonesian police were transported from the Cepiring sugar factory to Semarang to be put in Bulu prison. On the way, some of the prisoners managed to escape and join the Kido Butai troops in Jatingaleh. Around 03.00 on October 15th the Kido Butai troops moved into the city.”

“Battles erupted, including at Simpang Lima and at the Hotel Du Pavillon. The Japanese troops killed anyone they encountered, even the young men who surrendered. The youths also took revenge by killing Japanese people who were held captive in Bulu prison,“ said Marwati Djoened Poesponegoro et al in the book Sejarah nasional Indonesia: Zaman Jepang dan zaman Republik Indonesia 1942-1998 (2008).

The fighting lasted until October 19. Therefore, the battle is widely remembered as the Five-Day Battle in Semarang. The death toll reached 900 people from both sides. In that battle, Japan wanted to control Johar Market. Shootings between the people of Semarang and Japan took place. They took cover behind shops.

The Johar market was also badly damaged. Mainly because of the grenade explosion. The defense was then moved by the people of Semarang around the bus terminal which is located south of the Telephone Office. All because the Johar Market, especially above it, was controlled by Japanese soldiers. However, reinforcements arrived. The fighting really stopped after Allied troops landed in Semarang on 19 October. They immediately disarmed the Japanese troops.

“The battle is getting hotter, as happened in the electricity office (now PLN) and the Du Pavillon Hotel which is defended by the youth. The battle was described by the Merdeka daily, October 22, 1945, at the Hotel Du Pavillon and Johar Market, windows were shattered, streets were damaged by grenade explosions. With the arrival of aid from outside cities such as Pati, Yogyakarta, Solo, and Pekalongan, the youth resistance is getting stronger so that in eastern Semarang some Japanese posts can be pushed back," concluded Moehkardi in the book Bunga Rampai Sejarah Indonesia: dari Borobudur hingga Revolusi Nasional (2019).

*Read other information about JAKARTA HISTORY or read other interesting articles from Detha Arya Tifada.

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