Lower Market (Tourist Market)

Historical Roots and Cultural Context

The history of Pasar Bawah cannot be separated from the very beginnings of Pekanbaru City itself. The Senapelan area, where this market stands, was once the administrative center of the Siak Sri Indrapura Sultanate. In the 18th century, trading activities on the banks of the Siak River began to flourish, which later triggered the birth of "Pekan Baharu" or a new market.

Over time, Pasar Bawah evolved from a muddy traditional market into a magnificent building that blends modern and traditional elements. Its existence reflects the openness of the Riau community to cross-border trade, given its proximity to the Strait of Malacca. This has made Pasar Bawah a meeting point for various ethnicities—Malay, Minang, Chinese, and Javanese—who have interacted in trade harmony for centuries.

Architecture: A Blend of Malay Aesthetics and Modern Functionality

From a distance, the Pasar Bawah building stands out with its strong Malay architectural characteristics. Its roof adopts the "Selembayung" form, an ornamental carving resembling buffalo horns or bamboo shoots, symbolizing affection and adherence to customs. The dominant yellow and green colors of this building are the colors of grandeur for the Malay community of Riau.

In terms of layout, this Tourist Market consists of several floors arranged to provide comfort for visitors. Although renovated into a multi-story permanent building, the familiar "market" atmosphere is still felt. The corridors inside are designed to maximize air circulation, although during peak hours, the density of visitors creates a dynamic and lively shopping sensation.

A Haven for Unique Products and Imported Goods

The main attraction of Pasar Bawah lies in its variety of products rarely found in modern shopping centers or conventional malls. This market is famous as a "heaven" for imported goods from neighboring countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and China.

1. Ceramics and Household Supplies: On the ground floor and in several corners of the market, visitors will be greeted by rows of decorative ceramics, display plates, large flower vases, and luxurious crystal lamps. The quality of ceramics here is known to be good with prices much lower than decoration stores in Jakarta.

2. Local Snacks and Souvenirs: Pasar Bawah is the center for snacks. You can find Lempuk Durian from Bengkalis, pineapple chips, Medan anchovies, to various types of imported chocolates from Malaysia. Premium quality dried fish and shrimp paste are also prime commodities here.

3. Textiles and Clothing: From Riau batik fabric with bamboo shoot motifs to branded imported clothing at affordable prices, everything is available. This market is also a reference for those looking for carpets from Turkey or the Middle East with exclusive motifs.

Community Role and Local Economic Impact

Pasar Bawah is not just a place for the exchange of money and goods, but also a livelihood center for thousands of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). Many traders here are families who have been selling for generations, three or four generations down the line. The existence of this market creates a broad economic ecosystem, from local raw material suppliers, transportation services (sampans on the Siak River and motorcycle taxis), to the surrounding hotel sector.

Economically, Pasar Bawah contributes significantly to the Regional Original Revenue (PAD) of Pekanbaru City through retribution and tourism. This market is the main reason why tourists from neighboring provinces like West Sumatra or North Sumatra visit Pekanbaru, which automatically drives the city's overall economy.

Visitor Experience and Facilities

Visiting Pasar Bawah is a sensory experience. The aroma of spices mixes with the fragrance of durian, the hustle and bustle of bargaining in Malay and Minang dialects, and the colorful sight of silk fabrics create an authentic atmosphere.

For visitors, the facilities at Pasar Bawah are now quite adequate. There is a spacious parking area, although it is often full on weekends. Inside the building, there is a clean prayer room and public toilets. For those who feel hungry after exploring, around the market there are many legendary coffee shops and eateries serving typical Malay dishes like Ikan Patin Asam Pedas (spicy sour catfish).

One of the unique traditions that still survives is the art of bargaining. At Pasar Bawah, the listed price is not final. The interaction between buyers and sellers in negotiating prices is considered a form of relationship building. Eloquence and a little knowledge of the local language can often result in significant discounts.

Strategic Location and Tourism Integration

Another advantage of Pasar Bawah is its location integrated with other historical tourist attractions. After satisfying your shopping needs, visitors can walk to the banks of the Siak River to see the magnificent Siak Bridge or visit Rumah Singgah Tuan Kadi, a historical site where the Sultan of Siak used to rest. The proximity to the old port also offers a view of traditional river activities, providing a different perspective on life in Pekanbaru.

Challenges and Future

Amidst the onslaught of e-commerce and the proliferation of modern malls, Pasar Bawah continues to improve. The city government and market management are continuously striving to maintain cleanliness and security so that the "Tourist Market" predicate is preserved. Digitalization is starting to spread, with some traders now offering non-cash payments and goods delivery services to other cities, ensuring that this traditional market does not get left behind by the times.

Pasar Bawah remains a strong identity of Pekanbaru. It is a place where history is not just read in books, but felt through human interaction and the goods traded. For anyone who sets foot in Bumi Lancang Kuning, their journey is not considered complete without visiting Pasar Bawah. Here, amidst rows of beautiful ceramics and the aroma of durian lempuk, the true soul of Pekanbaru can be found.