Experience Indonesia, 8 Traditional Markets You Can’t Miss

Visiting a traditional market is one of the most authentic ways to experience local culture. For foreigners, skipping these vibrant hubs means missing out on the authentic flavors, crafts, and traditions that modern malls simply can’t replicate. From historic landmarks to bustling floating bazaars, Indonesia’s markets offer a sensory journey that weaves together heritage, community, and daily life. Here are eight remarkable traditional markets across the archipelago that every visitor should experience.

  1. Pasar Santa, Jakarta

Established in 1971, Pasar Santa has transformed from a typical market into a trendy cultural hub in South Jakarta. With its curated thrift stores, unique art stalls, cozy bookshops, and vibrant food vendors, Pasar Santa is especially popular among younger crowds and night owls. Its upper floors offer a treasure trove of aesthetic finds, making it a great spot for photos and evening hangouts.

  1. Pasar Johar, Semarang

Built in 1936, Pasar Johar was once the largest and most modern market in Southeast Asia. After a devastating fire in 2015, the market underwent a major revitalization and reopened in 2019. Today, it’s divided into three main sections—North, Central, and South—hosting hundreds of stalls selling everything from daily goods to specialty items. It remains a key commercial and cultural landmark in Central Java.

  1. Pasar Beringharjo, Yogyakarta

Located on Jalan Pabringan, Pasar Beringharjo has been a bustling trade center since 1758 and is still one of Indonesia’s most iconic markets. Here, visitors can shop for batik, antiques, herbs, and street food. Don’t miss the famous sate gajih, a rare traditional skewer dish that dates back to colonial times.

  1. Pasar Gede, Solo

Steeped in history, Pasar Gede was built in 1927 during the reign of Pakubuwono X. With its colonial-era architecture and lively atmosphere, it continues to be the heart of Solo’s culinary and shopping scene. Visitors often flock here for local delicacies and traditional snacks unique to the region.

  1. Pasar Oro-Oro Dowo, Malang

Built in 1932 during the Dutch colonial period, this market is known for its cleanliness, organization, and wide selection of food. Revitalized in 2015, it houses around 180 vendors selling fresh produce, prepared meals, and snacks. It’s a cozy yet vibrant stop for those exploring Malang.

  1. Pasar Sindhu, Sanur, Bali

Besides the famous Sukowati Market, Sindhu Market in Sanur is another top spot for expats and tourists in Bali. Located on Jalan Pungutan No. 2, this lively market is especially popular for its attractive night market scene. By 6 p.m., food stalls and carts line the street, serving local favorites like lamb satay, bakso (meatball soup), and nasi goreng at budget-friendly prices—making it a must-visit for a flavorful evening out. With its welcoming atmosphere and authentic flavors, Sindhu Market offers a perfect blend of local culture and everyday convenience.

  1. Muara Kuin Floating Market, Banjarmasin

One of Indonesia’s most unique markets floats on the Kuin River. Every morning, traders in traditional jukung boats sell vegetables, fruits, meat, and snacks directly from the water. This lively floating market attracts both domestic and international tourists eager to witness traditional river trade.

  1. Al Mahirah People’s Market, Banda Aceh

Located in Lamdingin village, this market opened in 2020 as part of a coastal economic development project. With over 500 stalls, it has become a new shopping hub while continuing the legacy of the old Peunayong market.

A Journey Through Culture and Commerce

Exploring Indonesia’s traditional markets is more than just shopping—it’s about connecting with local history, flavors, and people. Whether you’re an expat looking for hidden gems or a tourist seeking authentic experiences, these markets promise unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s vibrant heritage.

 

Source: NgopiBareng, CNBC, Inilah, Antara, Kumparan, Detik

Photo Credit: Denpasar Tourism

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Andrzej Barski

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Andrzej is Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia. He was born in the UK to Polish parents and has been living in Indonesia for more than 33-years. He is a skilled writer, trainer and marketer with a deep understanding of Indonesia and its many cultures after spending many years travelling across the archipelago from North Sumatra to Irian Jaya.

His experience covers Marketing, Branding, Advertising, Publishing, Real Estate and Training for 5-Star Hotels and Resorts in Bali and Jakarta, which has given him a passion for the customer experience. He’s a published author and a regular contributor to local and regional publications. His interests include conservation, eco-conscious initiatives, spirituality and motorcycles. Andrzej speaks English and Indonesian.

Terje H. Nilsen

Director of Seven Stones Indonesia

Terje is from Norway and has been living in Indonesia for over 20-years. He first came to Indonesia as a child and after earning his degree in Business Administration from the University of Agder in Norway, he moved to Indonesia in 1993, where he has worked in leading positions in education and the fitness/ wellness industries all over Indonesia including Jakarta, Banjarmasin, Medan and Bali.

He was Co-owner and CEO of the Paradise Property Group for 10-years and led the company to great success. He is now Co-owner/ Founder and Director of Seven Stones Indonesia offering market entry services for foreign investors, legal advice, sourcing of investments and in particular real estate investments. He has a soft spot for eco-friendly and socially sustainable projects and investments, while his personal business strengths are in property law, tourism trends, macroeconomics, Indonesian government and regulations. His personal interests are in sport, adventure, history and spiritual experiences.

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Ridwan Jasin Zachrie

CFO of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Ridwan is one of Indonesia’s top executives with a long and illustrious career in the financial world. He holds several professional certifications including being a Certified Business Valuer (CBV) issued by the Australian Academy of Finance and Management; Broker-Dealer Representative (WPPE); and The Directorship Certification for Directors and Commissioners, issued by the Indonesian Institute of Commissioners and Directors.

His experience includes being the Managing Director at one of the top investment banking groups in the region, the Recapital Group, the CFO at State-owned enterprises in fishery industry and the CEO at Tanri Abeng & Son Holding. He’s also been an Independent Commissioner in several Financial Service companies and on the Audit and Risk Committee at Bank BTPN Tbk, Berau Coal Energy Tbk, Aetra Air Jakarta as well as working for Citibank, Bank Mandiri and HSBC. His last position was as CFO at PT Citra Putra Mandiri – OSO Group.

Ridwan has won a number of prestigious awards including the Best CFO Awards 2019 (Institute of Certified Management Accountant Australia-Indonesia); Asia Pacific Young Business Leader awarded by Asia 21 Network New York USA (Tokyo 2008); UK Alumni Business Awards 2008 awarded by the British Council; and The Most Inspiring Human Resources Practitioners’ version of Human Capital Magazine 2010.

He’s a member of the Board of Trustees of the Alumni Association of the Faculty of Law, Trisakti University, Co-Founder of the Paramadina Public Policy Institute and actively writes books, publications and articles in the mass media. He co-authored “Korupsi Mengorupsi Indonesia” in 2009, which helps those with an interest in understanding governance in Indonesia and the critical issue of corruption. Ridwan speaks Indonesian and English.

Per Fredrik Ecker

Managing Director of Seven Stones Indonesia, Jakarta

Per is the Managing Director of the Seven Stones Indonesia (SSI) Jakarta office and has more than 25-years’ experience in Indonesia, China, and Western Europe. He previously worked in senior management positions with Q-Free ASA, Siemens AG, and other companies in the telecom sector. Over the last six years, he has been the Chairman of the Indonesia-Norway Business Council (INBC) and recently become elected to be on the board of EuroCham Indonesia.

His most recent experience is within Intelligent Transport Solutions (ITS), Telecom, and other sectors within the Indonesian market. He is today through his position in SSI and by representing Norway Connect, promoting Nordic and European companies that would like to explore business opportunities in the Indonesian market. He’s also playing an active role to help create the Nordic House concept in Jakarta that will provide an excellent platform for Nordic companies entering Indonesia, where they’ll find a community that can offer support with trusted information and affordable services to enter this market.