According to Drs. R. Harmanto Bratasiswara in his book Adat Tata Cara Jawa (Yayasan Suryasumirat, Jakarta, 2000), prepekan refers to the bustling shopping activity in preparation for Eid. Many activities are carried out by the community to welcome the holiday, and the peak of their shopping activities is known as prepekan.
In Ponorogo, for example, the number of market visitors during prepekan can increase more than twofold. Pasar Legi, the largest and most comprehensive traditional market in the area, becomes the main shopping hub. People buy various necessities, from basic groceries and vegetables to Eid snacks, clothing, and other essentials.
One interesting aspect of prepekan is the tradition of shopping together. Many people do not go to the market alone but instead bring family members or neighbors along. To this day, traditional markets remain the preferred choice for many, as they offer more affordable prices and a wide range of goods in one place.
To accommodate the surge in buyers during prepekan, market vendors usually prepare well in advance. They stock up on goods to anticipate the high demand leading up to Eid.
Prepekan is more than just a shopping spree; it reflects the spirit of togetherness and preparation for celebrating a special occasion. This is what keeps the tradition alive and deeply embedded in Indonesian culture today.