Muara Karang Market Revitalization: Transforming a Fish Distribution Center into a Modern Culinary Heaven
Reported by Aldi Geri Lumban Tobing | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
The revitalization of Muara Karang Market has begun since February 2024 to maintain and increase the market's potential as a coastal culinary icon.
This market will be a symbol of harmony between tradition and modernization
Targeted for completion in December 2025, Muara Karang Market is expected to not only maintain its reputation as a seafood paradise but also increase its appeal as a culinary and recreational destination in North Jakarta.
The revitalization was also inspired by the successful transformation of other traditional markets in Jakarta, such as Santa Market in South Jakarta and Gembrong Market in East Jakarta. Both have transformed from slum markets into popular destinations for the younger generation, especially Gen-Z, who are interested in socializing, shopping, and enjoying local cuisine.
Muara Karang Market Employees Sealed Manager’s OfficePT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro)'s Technical and Development Director, Dian Takdir said the revitalization process was managed by Jakpro, which had collaborated with several consulting firms to prepare the development design.
According to him, the project is expected to bring economic benefits of 14.64 percent, with revenues generated from commercial area rentals, food courts, sports centers, advertising, and parking.
"This investment has a relatively short payback period, which is around 8.8 years, which is a normal period for a revitalization project," he expressed, Wednesday (11/6).
Currently, the revitalization of Muara Karang Market has entered various stages, including the processing of environmental permits such as Amdal and Pertek, socialization and relocation of traders, as well as the tender search process for the construction of the main market.
"This is targeted to take less than a year, so that the main market can be used again by traders in December 2025," he explained.
He explained it would transform the market into a modern coastal culinary hub that could make a significant contribution to the local and regional economy.
"Muara Karang Market's identity as a 'sea culinary paradise' will be strengthened by this project, providing a more modern but still authentic experience," he explained.
With this revitalization, Muara Karang Market will not only become a more comfortable space for Jakarta residents to enjoy seafood but will also encourage local economic growth and increase social interaction in the area.
"This market will be a symbol of harmony between tradition and modernization, a coastal culinary destination that is ready to welcome all groups," he stated.
As for the information, Muara Karang, a densely populated area on the north coast of Jakarta, has long been known as a bustling seafood distribution center and a mouth-watering culinary paradise.
In the past, this area was just a swamp which in the mid-1980s began to develop with the presence of various levels of society who settled here, including the Chinese community who played a role in creating a unique culinary identity along Jalan Muara Karang.
At the heart of this area is Muara Karang Market, which since its establishment has been an important distribution center for fishermen's catches from the coast of Jakarta and Seribu Islands.
Various types of fresh fish can be found here, and visitors can also directly enjoy seafood processed at stalls around the market, making it a special attraction for seafood lovers. This market is not only a place to shop, but also a dynamic social interaction space.