Sanggeng Market

History and Evolution: From Traditional Market to Modern Shopping Center

The historical roots of Pasar Sanggeng stretch back decades, beginning as a gathering point for local traders selling garden produce and seafood along the coastline. Following Manokwari's designation as the Capital of West Papua Province, the need for a representative trading center became urgent.

The market has undergone various phases of renovation and reconstruction, especially after several fire incidents that temporarily paralyzed economic activities. The local government continues to strive to transform Pasar Sanggeng into a more modern building while preserving the characteristics of a traditional market. This evolution reflects the ambition of the Manokwari community to progress without abandoning their trading traditions. Today, the Pasar Sanggeng building stands strong with a permanent structure housing thousands of traders, making it one of the most prominent buildings in the city center.

Architecture and Layout: A Blend of Functionality and Local Adaptation

The architectural design of Pasar Sanggeng is intended to accommodate a high volume of visitors with ventilation that considers the coastal tropical climate. The main building adopts a multi-level concept, where each floor specializes in certain commodities to facilitate visitor navigation.

On the ground floor, visitors are greeted by the organized bustle of the wet market. Here, the floor area is intentionally designed with improved drainage to maintain cleanliness. Moving up to the next floor, the atmosphere becomes calmer with rows of shops and kiosks selling textiles, electronics, and lifestyle products. The layout reflects the efficiency of limited urban space, with the main entrance directly connected to Manokwari's main road, making it easy for public transport (angkot) to drop off passengers right in front of the market gate.

Product Diversity: Between Papuan Tradition and Modernity

The main uniqueness of Pasar Sanggeng lies in the diversity of products it offers. Here, the line between modern manufactured goods and traditional natural products becomes very thin.

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1. Local Produce and Foodstuffs

One of the main attractions is the presence of "Mama-Mama Papua" (Papuan Mothers) selling in open areas or the front section of the market. They offer fresh produce such as raw sago, betel nut, betel leaf, and various types of tubers (petatas and taro) brought directly from surrounding districts. Ikan asar (smoked fish), a Papuan specialty, is also a prime item here, emitting a distinctive aroma that whets the appetite as soon as visitors enter the wet market area.

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2. Handicrafts and Local Souvenirs

For tourists or visitors, Pasar Sanggeng is the best place to find noken (traditional Papuan woven bags) in various sizes and motifs. Additionally, there are kiosks selling authentic Papuan eucalyptus oil, sarang semut (ant nest), and wood carvings that represent the art of the tribes in the Bird's Head Peninsula of Papua.

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3. Fashion and Electronics Needs

In the interior of the building, a variety of clothing options are available, ranging from Islamic attire, casual wear, to school uniforms. The market also serves as a hub for the Manokwari community to find electronic devices, mobile phones, and accessories at competitive prices compared to standalone modern retail stores.

Shopping Experience: Bargaining Tradition and Social Interaction

Shopping at Pasar Sanggeng is a profound sensory and social experience. Here, the tradition of bargaining is still very strong, creating warm verbal interactions between sellers and buyers. The Papuan Malay dialect of Indonesian serves as a communication bridge uniting various ethnicities transacting here, from indigenous Papuans to migrants from Bugis, Makassar, Java, and Maluku.

One unique tradition that still survives is the system of selling produce using "tumpuk" (piles) or "ikat" (bundles) rather than kilogram scales for certain products. This demonstrates how local wisdom in traditional trade still thrives amidst the currents of modernization.

Economic Role and Impact on the Community

As the largest shopping center, Pasar Sanggeng plays a crucial role in Manokwari's economic stability. The market is a primary indicator of staple food prices in the West Papua region. Thousands of jobs are created here, ranging from large traders, kiosk owners, porters, to public transport drivers who depend on the market's visitor flow for their income.

The existence of Pasar Sanggeng also fosters the growth of local MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). Many artisans and farmers from the outskirts of the city use this market as the main distribution channel for their products. On a macro level, Pasar Sanggeng contributes significantly to the Regional Original Revenue (PAD) through market levies, which are then used for city infrastructure development.

Facilities and Visitor Comfort

Despite being a traditional market, efforts to improve facilities are continuously being made. Pasar Sanggeng is now equipped with ample parking space for two-wheeled and four-wheeled vehicles, although during peak hours, this area still feels crowded. Around the market, various supporting facilities are available, such as:

• Culinary Center: Along the corridors and surrounding areas of the market, food vendors line up, serving local menus like Papeda as well as Nusantara dishes like Bakso and Coto Makassar.
• Banking Services: The presence of ATMs from national banks around the market facilitates financial transactions for visitors.
• Accessibility: Its location in the heart of the city makes Pasar Sanggeng very easy to reach from any direction, whether using private vehicles or public transportation that operates almost 24 hours on this route.

Challenges and the Future of Pasar Sanggeng

Facing the digital era and the emergence of modern supermarkets in Manokwari, Pasar Sanggeng remains strong. The main challenges faced are waste management issues and the tidiness of street vendor layouts outside the main building. The local government remains committed to continuous revitalization so that Pasar Sanggeng is not only a cheap place to shop but also clean and comfortable (aesthetic).

Future development plans include integrating the market with the Doreri Bay coastal tourism area. Thus, Pasar Sanggeng is projected to become not only a center for staple goods shopping but also a shopping and cultural tourism destination that must be visited by anyone setting foot in the "City of the Gospel," Manokwari.

Conclusion

Pasar Sanggeng is a representation of the resilience and diversity of the Manokwari community. It is a place where the people's economy meets the dynamics of modernity, and where every transaction carries a story of hard work and brotherhood. For the people of West Papua, Sanggeng is not just a place name; it is a symbol of economic independence and social warmth that continues to be preserved on the eastern horizon of Indonesia. Shopping at Pasar Sanggeng means feeling the true pulse of Manokwari's life.