1999 Jakarta Fair soft opening

JAKARTA (JP): Governor of Jakarta, Sutiyoso, initiated the soft opening of the 1999 Jakarta Fair, in Kemayoran fair ground, Central Jakarta, on Friday.

President B.J. Habibie will officially open the Jakarta's annual fair in a grand ceremony at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The soft opening on Friday of the annual event also marked the first day of the participants to offer their goods to visitors.

This year's event will feature 490 participants promoting their latest products filled. They will occupy three exhibition halls and one open space during the 17-day event.

Visitors must have tickets, charged at Rp 3,000 (50 US cents) each, while children under three years of age can enter the ground for free.

Domestic companies joining the event were from a wide range of business, including automotive, electronic, furniture and food industries.

Jakarta Fair was first launched in 1968 and used to be held in connection with Jakarta's anniversary celebration, on June 22.

This year's event is held in August because the country was holding its general election on June 7.

The fair is held jointly by Jakarta International Tradefair Corporation (JITC), PT Debindo and The Jakarta Fair Foundation. (04)