Cahaya Bumi Selamat Shops (CBS)

History and Philosophy of the Name Cahaya Bumi Selamat

The name "Cahaya Bumi Selamat" (Light of the Blessed Earth) holds a profound philosophy for the people of Banjar. The word "Cahaya" (Light) symbolizes hope and enlightenment for the region's economic progress. "Bumi" (Earth) represents the ground we stand on and local resources, while "Selamat" (Blessed/Safe) is a prayer that every commercial activity and interaction within it brings blessings and safety to both sellers and buyers.

These shops began to develop significantly in line with Banjar's status upgrade. Previously, this area was a traditional market that was gradually organized by the local government to become a more modern and organized shopping district. This transformation aimed to create a neat city image while maintaining emotional closeness with the local community. The presence of CBS marked a new era where retail trade began to compete with surrounding traditional markets, creating a unique economic ecosystem in the heart of the city.

Architecture and Layout of the Area

Architecturally, Cahaya Bumi Selamat Shops (CBS) adopts a concept of neatly lined shop-houses (ruko) with sufficiently wide access roads for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Its very strategic location, in the city center and close to Alun-alun Banjar (Banjar Square) and the City Terminal, makes it the most easily accessible gathering point.

The layout of CBS is designed to facilitate "one-stop shopping" for visitors. The shop blocks are divided by product categories naturally, although not as rigidly as modern malls in big cities. The front is usually dominated by gold jewelry stores and banks, while the inner parts are mostly filled with textile, clothing, and basic necessity stores. The building design with canopies along the sidewalks allows visitors to shop comfortably even in the rain or scorching heat, a functional detail highly appreciated by local residents.

Uniqueness of Products and Shopping Experience

What makes CBS different from other shopping centers in East Priangan is its product variety that strongly reflects the needs of both agrarian and urban communities. One of the main attractions at CBS is its row of trusted gold shops. For the people of Banjar and its surroundings (such as from Ciamis or western Cilacap), buying gold at CBS is a generations-old tradition, both for jewelry and investment.

Furthermore, CBS is known as a center for textiles and Muslim fashion. Approaching religious holidays, this area transforms into a sea of people. Stores like Toko Serba Indah or Toko Pakaian Cahaya often become the primary reference for residents looking for West Javanese batik fabrics or modern clothing at very competitive prices. Here, the tradition of bargaining is still very strong, creating human interactions not found in supermarkets or online shopping platforms.

For culinary enthusiasts, around this shopping area, there are also various street vendors and eateries serving Banjar's specialty foods. The shopping experience at CBS is often concluded by enjoying a glass of young coconut ice or Banjar's signature meatballs on the outskirts of the shops, creating strong collective memories for every visitor.

Economic Role and Community Empowerment

Cahaya Bumi Selamat Shops is the economic growth engine of Banjar City. Hundreds of workers are absorbed in this area, from shop assistants, logistics staff, to informal sector players like parking attendants and small food vendors. The existence of CBS provides an extraordinary multiplier effect on Regional Original Revenue (PAD) through taxes and retribution.

More than just numbers, CBS is a place where local entrepreneurs grow. Many shop owners at CBS started their businesses on a small scale and have now become family businesses run by the second or third generation. This indicates high market stability and trust in this area. CBS also serves as a marketplace for local MSME products, ranging from handicrafts to Banjar's signature snacks like rangicok and sale pisang (banana chips).

Facilities and Visitor Experience

The Banjar City Government continues to strive to improve facilities around CBS to support visitor comfort. Ample parking space is available for two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, although on weekends or national holidays it often reaches maximum capacity. Public facilities such as clean prayer rooms (mushola) and access to public toilets are spread across several strategic points.

Security in the CBS area is also considered very good with a nearby police post and self-security from the shop management. This provides a sense of security for mothers who often bring small children while shopping. Additionally, CBS's proximity to public spaces like Alun-alun Banjar adds value for families who want to shop and enjoy affordable recreation.

Shopping Traditions and Culture

There is a unique tradition at CBS known as "ngabuburit" during the month of Ramadan. People from all corners of Banjar will flock to this area from the afternoon onwards. Not just to shop for Eid needs, but also to simply stroll and enjoy the afternoon atmosphere in the city center. CBS becomes a social stage where people greet each other, showing that this shopping center functions as an inclusive public space.

Furthermore, CBS often serves as a benchmark for fashion trends in Banjar City. What is displayed on the store mannequins at CBS usually becomes a trend followed by the local community in the following months. This shows how strong CBS's influence is as a lifestyle compass in the border region of West Java and Central Java.

Facing the Challenges of the Era

Amidst the onslaught of online shopping trends and the development of modern malls in neighboring big cities, Cahaya Bumi Selamat Shops continues to adapt. Many shop owners at CBS are now venturing into the digital world by providing order services via WhatsApp or social media, while still considering the physical store at CBS as their main gallery. Product authenticity, ease of physical access, and emotional connection with loyal customers are the main strengths that keep CBS standing strong.

The local government is also not standing idly by. More aesthetic sidewalk arrangements and the addition of decorative lights around the CBS area are being implemented to attract the interest of the younger generation to continue visiting and engaging in this legendary shopping center. CBS is now transforming into a more "Instagramable" area without losing its identity as a modern traditional trading center.

Conclusion

Cahaya Bumi Selamat Shops (CBS) is more than just a row of shops in the heart of Banjar City. It is the heart that pumps life to all corners of the city. With a combination of long history, diverse products, and a strong social role, CBS remains a primary destination for anyone visiting Banjar City.

For travelers, visiting CBS provides a complete picture of the dynamics of Banjar's community life: friendly, hardworking, and deeply valuing tradition. For local residents, CBS is home, a place where needs are met and relationships are maintained. Under the city lights and the hustle and bustle of bargaining, Cahaya Bumi Selamat continues to shine, promising safety and prosperity for the Earth of Banjar.