Jember, en.SERU.co.id — Regent Muhammad Fawait personally inspected the ongoing construction of the new street food precinct along Jalan Kartini to Jalan Gatot Subroto, emphasizing that the ambitious nighttime culinary hub is still in its early stages.
On Tuesday night (19/5/2026), the site showed visible progress but remained far from completion. Fawait, popularly known as Gus Fawait, estimated the physical work had reached only 25 to 30 percent.
“It’s still a long way from finished. The construction is only around 25 to 30 percent done,” he said on Wednesday (20/5/2026).
Several key aesthetic features have yet to be installed, including decorative lighting, thematic vendor carts, and supporting ornaments.
“The lights aren’t all up yet, and the carts haven’t arrived. The concept will blend Nusantara (Indonesian) and international flavors,” Fawait explained.
One sensitive area receiving special attention is the zone directly in front of the historic Santo Yusuf Catholic Church. The Jember Regency Government has pledged to keep the front of the church completely free of street vendors (PKL) to preserve the sanctity and comfort of worshippers.
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“There will be no PKL in front of the church. We’re creating a relaxed seating area, so it remains comfortable and tidy,” he assured.
Interestingly, the section near the church will adopt a classic European theme to harmonize with the building’s historic architecture.
“From the intersection up to there, the atmosphere will be Classic European. The carts will also follow that theme,” Fawait added.
Beyond physical development, the regency is inviting the public to participate by suggesting creative and iconic names for the new culinary destination before its official launch.
“Feel free to submit attractive name proposals. Just don’t get upset if your suggestion isn’t chosen,” he said with a smile.
The street food area is envisioned as a modern, well-organized hub that will empower local MSMEs (UMKM) while becoming Jember’s premier nighttime tourist attraction. (sgt/mzm)
