A host of visitors brings Xmas cheer to recreational sites

M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The extended Christmas holiday provides a good occasion to spend time outdoors, as seen in the increase of the number of visitors as of Friday at popular recreational sites in the capital.

Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta recorded over 17,000 visitors on Dec. 25, a dramatic increase from the visitor count of between 1,000 and 2,000 visitors on regular weekdays, although during the season last year, the number reached 32,000.

"As of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, we received up to 8,000 visitors. This is quite an increase for Ragunan Zoo, because usually at this time, the figure stands at only 1,000," Batara, a zoo employee told The Jakarta Post.

The Christmas figure, however, was dwarfed by the total number of visitors during the November Idul Fitri holiday. During the two-day holiday, the number of visitors reached over 160,000.

Suryana, a for-hire photographer at the zoo, said he enjoyed windfall profits from the increase in the number of visitors. "Yesterday (Dec. 25), I made Rp 50,000. It was quite a handsome profit compared to my regular takings of Rp 10,000," he said.

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in East Jakarta also experienced a similar increase over Christmas.

Spokesman Purnawijaya Alibasa told the Post that on Thursday alone, the total number of visitors reached about 60,000, triple the usual 20,000 visitors on weekdays.

The miniature park -- the brainchild of the late Tien Soeharto, wife of former president Soeharto -- offered seasonal programs to lure more visitors.

"For Christians, we held a musical performance featuring Christmas carols. For those who don't celebrate the holiday, we offered traditional songs and exotic dances from indigenous ethnic groups," he said.

He said TMII management had stepped up security measures within and around the park during the holiday.

"We only have 150 security guards for TMII and its environs on weekdays, but for Christmas and the New Year celebrations we have up to 400 security guards on the grounds," he said, adding that Army personnel made up most of the augmented security team.

Sea World in North Jakarta, renowned for its marine specimens and petting pool, also saw a rise in the number of visitors.

Sea World public relations officer Dwi Lestari said that in the last two days, the number of visitors stood at over 17,000.

She said the total number of visitors over the Christmas holiday might have exceeded the figure, had it not been for the torrential rains that hit Greater Jakarta.

"We are sure the number of visitors will increase over the weekend and we have made preparations by putting up more Christmas trees and Santas," she said.