A critical review on the failure or success of the night market at Jonker Street after ten years of its existence

Abstract

Cultural heritage value possesses historical, archaeological, architectural, technological, aesthetic, scientific, spiritual, social, traditional or other special cultural significance, associated with human activity. Meanwhile, intangible heritage is a term used to portray the social values that the people symbolize and associate the site aesthetically or spiritually. Understanding from the concept of both, the night market activities on the heritage site are considered as a cultural heritage as it showcases the "living heritage" of Melaka. The establishment of Jonker Street night market activities is an effort to highlight the cultural and historical values of Melaka World Historic City which at the same time creates a new point of interest for touristic activities and revitalizes the local economy and add vibrancy to the old urban quarter. The 11-year old Jonker Street night market operates every Friday till Sunday from 5.30pm till 12.00am. It draws a large number of visitors, not only domestic visitors but international ones too. This huge influx of tourists in Jonker Street changes the street's ambience, atmosphere and affected how the city functions. Not forgetting, the ones that are affected the most are the local people of their ways of life, identity, sense of belonging and other cultural aspects. Unfortunately, the level of understanding of local responses and perceptions towards the heritage values of the Jonker Street night market is very superficial. The aim of this study is to evaluate and learn the impacts of Jonker Street night market activities to the quality of life of the community after ten years it is being converted into a pedestrian street mall. In order to achieve this aim, a thorough investigation will be done to attain the effects and impacts of the transformation of the street towards the heavily affected parties namely the shop owners and the residents, the traders who conducted business on this street and the tourists who visits and experiences this street. This study basically incorporates both primary and secondary data collection and analyzed and presented through simple percentage and mean forms. From the analyses on all three respondents, it is found that each of them has different interpretation of the function and purpose of Jonker Street and its night market night activity. Thus, their opinion and perception were heavily influenced by their demand, experience and anticipation of the world renowned World Heritage listed site. The shopowners wanted the site to revive economically but at the same time protect the cultural heritage elements of it. Meanwhile, the traders were more of business-oriented and hoped to be provided with adequate assistance of their stalls. Last but not least, the visitors thought that the street was fairly satisfactory yet special at the same, only that Jonker Street needed improvements for the overall betterment of the street. As a whole, the execution of the street has fulfilled some of the aspirations set by the initial proposal only that after some time, a bigger picture that balances economic vitality, old urban quarter vibrancy, good governance of the resources and social sustainability should be accomplished.