EVALUASI URBAN RENEWAL: REVITALISASI PASAR BULU KOTA SEMARANG TAHUN 2025

Abstract

The revitalization of Bulu Market in Semarang City represents an effort by the local government to enhance the quality of the traditional market through improvements to physical conditions, facilities, and spatial layout. However, these physical upgrades have not been fully matched by a corresponding increase in economic activity or the market's appeal to the public. This study aims to evaluate the revitalization of Bulu Market from an urban renewal perspective, analyzing three dimensions: physical, economic, and social. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing qualitative data gathered through interviews with the Trade Agency, market management, vendors, shoppers, the local community, and NGOs, alongside quantitative data obtained via vendor questionnaires. Analysis was conducted by assessing the market's condition against specific indicators for each dimension. The findings indicate that the revitalization of Bulu Market has had a positive impact on the physical dimension; improvements were observed in the building condition, facilities, cleanliness, orderliness, comfort, and aesthetics. However, the results regarding the economic dimension have been suboptimal, evidenced by a decline in the number of shoppers, trading activity, kiosk occupancy rates, and vendor enthusiasm. These conditions became more pronounced following the COVID-19 pandemic and were influenced by broader trends in commerce, including the proliferation of street vendors, minimarkets, and local grocery stalls. Regarding the social dimension, relationships among vendors and between vendors and the community remain relatively positive, with no significant conflicts identified. Vendors were involved in the revitalization process, although their participation and engagement in policy making decisions were not fully optimized. While the revitalization of Bulu Market is considered successful in enhancing physical aspects, it has not fully achieved its objectives regarding economic and social dimensions. The study recommends that the Semarang City Government develop a revitalization policy that extends beyond physical construction to include vendor empowerment, strengthened promotion and digitalization, optimized market utilization, and periodic post-revitalization evaluations.