Councilor criticizes fair organizers

JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor yesterday blasted organizers of the Jakarta Fair exhibition (PRJ) for neglecting the interest of small businesses and street vendors in this year's annual event.

"The PRJ had its origins at Pasar Gambir (Central Jakarta) as an exhibition of small businesses beginning early in the century," said councilor Mahmud S. Chaniago here yesterday.

He criticized PT Jakarta International Trade Fair Corporation (JITC) as organizers of the PRJ for ignoring the role of small businesses, which clearly deviated from the original purpose of the Fair.

The annual PRJ exhibition in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, was opened by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja on June 18 and will run through July 16.

Mahmud also deplored JITC's ousting of all street vendors from the fair, pointing to the fact that there is not a single place on the grounds dedicated to them.

As a result, the street vendors have to play "hide and seek" with the security guards in order to sell their wares, he said as quoted by Antara.

Mahmud acknowledged the profit-making motive has to be considered, but he urged that the social function of the PRJ should also be maintained.

In reply, JITC president Soekardjo Hardjosoewirjo denied that small businesses were neglected, saying that the councilor's reaction was based on a difference of perception of the businesses.

"If they mean street vendors when they say small business, then it's true PRJ didn't provide a particular location for them because of the limited space at the fair ground," he said.

He further revealed that street vendors were not given a special location because of fears that their activities would disturb the enjoyment of the visitors.

Soekardjo added that a number of street vendors were visible at the fair grounds, most notably the traditional kerak telor egg-pancake sellers who are being levied Rp 75,000 per month.

He illustrated the existence of small businesses by pointing to the numerous food, beverage, arts, crafts and clothing stands at the PRJ.

As of yesterday, sales in food and beverages reached over Rp 144 million (US$66,759), arts and crafts Rp 24 million ($11,127), shoes and handbags Rp 214 million ($99,212) while garment sales were Rp 129 million ($59,805). (mds)