TRENGGALEK – Pasar Pon traders in Trenggalek say the market’s modern facilities have failed to bring back the crowds they once enjoyed before a devastating fire destroyed the old complex in 2019.

The government rebuilt Pasar Pon with funding of Rp78.3 billion ($4.8 million) from Indonesia’s state budget. However, many merchants say customer traffic remains far below expectations.

Aulia Rahma Rosida, a trader at Pasar Pon, said business conditions have changed dramatically since authorities reopened the market around 2021.

“Before the fire, the old Pasar Pon was always busy. Traders worked side by side, and visitors filled the market every day. The situation today is still far from what we hoped for,” she said.

Rosida recalled how several generations of her family earned a living at the old market. At that time, wet and dry market sections operated in the same area, creating a vibrant shopping destination.

Visitors could buy fresh produce, food, clothing, furniture, and household goods in one place, making the market a popular destination throughout the day.

Since the new market opened, many traders have reported declining sales and lower daily income.

According to Rosida, only a few periods still generate strong demand. Business usually improves during Ramadan, Eid holidays, and the back-to-school season when parents shop for uniforms.

Local authorities have introduced several programs to attract more visitors. Officials removed penalties for lost parking tickets and improved access to market entrances.

“Deductions for lost parking tickets no longer apply. The government has tried several ways to encourage people to come,” Rosida said.

The Trenggalek administration has also organized promotional events and offered online marketing training for traders. However, not all merchants have participated in those programs.

Despite those efforts, traders say visitor numbers have not increased significantly. Some kiosk owners have stopped opening their stalls because sales no longer justify daily operating costs.

Many former traders have turned to farming or other jobs to support their families. Others now sell their products elsewhere, where customer traffic remains stronger.

Merchants also criticize the smaller kiosk sizes in the new building. They argue that limited space makes it harder to display products and attract buyers. Traders on the second floor face additional challenges because many visitors rarely go upstairs.

Rosida also highlighted limited access to water as an ongoing concern. She said traders enjoyed greater flexibility in the old market, including the ability to manage their own water supply.

For many merchants, the modern facility has yet to deliver the economic benefits promised by the redevelopment project. They hope future improvements can help Pasar Pon regain the vibrant atmosphere that once made it one of Trenggalek’s busiest traditional markets.