Pasar Klithikan of Yogyakarta, Hunting Unique, Used Things

A busy trading atmosphere is clearly seen along the west side of Mangkubumi Street at night. The place is central of used things trading named Pasar Klithikan or Klithikan market that was named after the sound 'klithik' of the things when the sellers throw the merchandises. Every night, the sellers spread their merchandises on a cloth or carpet with traditional lamp called teplok as source of the light. Meanwhile, tens of people stand around to select the things they are going to buy.

There is no fixed information of the onset of such a market. However, the name 'Klithikan' was initially known by Yogyakarta people since 1960s when economy was getting worse. The peak of the market that is located close to Tugu Yogyakarta was after the economy crisis in 1998. More sellers offer their merchandises and more people come to buy.

Pasar Klithikan in Mangkubumi is different from other markets for used things. It is superior in that its quality and uniqueness are well maintained. You can find old watches, old spectacles or contemporary items such as disc man, hand phone, motor spare parts, etc. at cheap prices. One watch can sell at 9,500 Indonesian Rupiah and an old hand phone can be bought at less than 100,000 Rupiah.

What attracts people is more that just used goods. Starting at seven o'clock in the evening, people begin to crowd the place. Usually, people look thoroughly at the goods before bargaining. Quite often, a buyer spends much time on bargaining to flatter the seller to give certain good to him.

Unlike in other used markets where you may only see people trade goods, here people may spend much time talking about certain item. Friendly conversation takes place between the seller and buyer. Sometimes, other buyers join in the discussion so that it looks like a social gathering. Big laughter and light curses makes the discussion vivid.

Other uniqueness of Pasar Klithikan is that there is no certainty of who are the sellers and who are the buyers. One person may positions as a seller at one time and a buyer at other time. If you have something unique, you can bring here and offer it to someone at the price you want to sell. Usually, the older the things the more expensive it will sell.

Although this market sells used goods, it does not necessarily determine that the visitors are of middle-below class only. From their appearance, we can see that they are from different social classes. Some of them come in T-shirts and shorts and some are neat and fashionable. They come for different intention from looking for economy-priced items to finding unique things for their collection.

With its entire nuance, Pasar Klithikan is worth judging as a tourism object and a place to spend your night. Second-hand merchandises are insufficient to negatively judge this market. The naming 'market' of this place is an added value since, actually, with no permanent building for trading, this place should be called sidewalk stall.

Please come and feel the characteristic nuance of this market. You might get something you are longing for without spending too much money, or meet with people of the same interest. If that happens to you, you will not forget the memory of visiting Yogyakarta.