Fauna and Ornamental Plant Market of Yogyakarta (PASTY)

The Gate of PASTY (Photo by Adi Tri Pramono)

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2.6 ( 26 Voter(s) )

A. Overview

According to the past tradition, a Javanese man is called a perfect noble if he has achieved five things in life namely wisma (house), wanita (wife), turangga (horse), curiga (kris or weapon), and kukila (pet bird). This becomes the reason why birds are something important for Javanese. Keeping a bird is not merely a hobby, it also shows the prestige which signifies his social status.

The tradition of keeping chirping birds with high sale prices encourages the establishment of Ngasem Bird Market, which is legendary and even popular abroad. There are two versions of history around this market. The first version says that Ngasem was developing at early 1960s, to be precisely when the bird sellers at Beringharjo Market were moved to Ngasem. The second version, meanwhile, says that Ngasem Bird Market existed since two centuries ago. This is confirmed by a photograph of Yogyakarta in 1809 entitled “Djogja Tempo Doeloe” which depicts the activities of bird trading at Ngasem.

Aside from the validity of either versions, Ngasem Bird Market has gained a special place in the hearts of Yogyakarta people. This market is one of Yogyakarta legendary landmarks. People have been using this market for trading activities since tens of years ago. However, following the city plan, the local government of Yogyakarta relocated all sellers at Ngasem to Bursa Agro Jogja (BAJ) at Dongkelan. On March 22, 2010 the relocation was carried out through a cultural procession.

BAJ was formerly an ornamental plant market. It now has enlarged due to the addition of bird sellers and the name changed into Pasar Satwa dan Tanaman Hias Yogyakarta (PASTY). This market was built in garden design and aims for one of the special interest tourism objects in Yogyakarta. PASTY is 5.500 m² which occupies a land of 15.605 m². It is also equipped with such supporting facilities as park, small mosque, public convenience, food court, play ground area and bird competition area.

B. Features

As soon as you set foot in PASTY you will hear thousands of birds chirping. Unlike the dirty, muddy and gloomy Ngasem Market, PASTY has fresher view. It is also wider that it is divided into 2 parts separated by Bantul Street. On the west side of the road is the ornamental plants complex while at the east side is the complex for birds and other pet sellers.

PASTY is relatively comfortable, clean, clear and spacious. The kiosks are neatly arranged and divided into several complexes according to the category of commodities. The separator passage between complexes is quite wide so that it will not cause visitors to jostle. It even allows bicycle to pass through. Every Sunday people are seen cycling at PASTY complex.

You can find various birds at PASTY. Moreover, there are other fowls and pets such as hamster, rabbit, fish, dog, gecko, snakes, and many more in this market. All animals are kept in colorful cages. Many parents take their children to PASTY to introduce them to the diversity of animals and sometimes to buy them.

Visitors can also enjoy some shows held by PASTY sellers. Among the shows are pigeon’s return to its cage, chirping competition, and mynah bird attraction. Usually, after the attraction is over, visitors become more attracted to buy the animals although for a high price.

For photography lovers, PASTY is a perfect location for photo hunting. There are many interesting objects to take picture such as the colorful birds with their unique and funny actions or the trading activity itself.

C. Location

PASTY is situated at Bantul Street Km 1, Dongkelan, Mantrijeron, Yogyakarta.

D. Access

Located at the main road which connects Yogyakarta city to Bantul Regency makes PASTY accessible. It is 10 to 15 minutes away from Yogyakarta downtown. Some public transportation that can take visitors to PASTY are the city bus route 10 or the yellow Kobutri, pedicab, andong (horse cart) or taxi.

E. Ticket

Entering PASTY is free off charge. The only money visitors must spend is for the parking fee.

F. Accommodations and Facilities

As a fauna and ornamental plant market as well as a tourism destination, PASTY Dongkelan is equipped with adequate facilities to support the daily activities. There is a spacious parking lot, clean public convenience and also small mosque. In addition, there are kids play ground, food kiosks, and bird competition arena.

Text: Elisabeth Murni
Photo(s): Collections of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Apri Widiastuti
(Primary data and various sources)

Read : 13717 time(s).

If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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