Governor gives trendy food stalls seal of approval

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso inaugurated 126 street cafes located at the southern end of the National Monument (Monas) Square in Central Jakarta on Saturday night.

The colorful tents enliven the area, which is usually dark at night, with their sparkling lamps and lanterns hanging along the walkways and fancy lights at some of the cafes.

Various dishes, from traditional to international ones, are served at the street cafes, which will open every day from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m..

Located precisely in front of Sutiyoso's office, the plot, which used to be the Taman Ria recreational ground, is a parking lot during the day.

It is unknown whether the governor will be a regular at any of the cafes after his working hours.

With a rental fee of Rp 2 million a year per tent, the owners of the street cafes include artists, students, Abang and None (Mr. and Miss) Jakarta and others who have recently lost their jobs due to the economic crisis.

Sutiyoso hoped the cafes at Monas would help the tenants cope with the prolonged crisis, and that their presence would also enliven the night scene of the site.

The governor, however, suggested that the artists return to their profession after the crisis ends in order that other people get the chance to make a living out of the food and beverage business.

Artists who have food tents at Monas include senior actors Rudy Salam, Mark Sungkar, actress Laila Sari and singers Helen Sparingga and Cut Yanti.

After the inauguration ceremony, two pickpocketing incidents that took place during the event were reported to Sutiyoso.

One of the victims was singer Puput Novel.

"I am so disappointed," the governor mumbled, hopelessly.

The presence of the trendy stalls in the area got mixed reactions from long-established food traders at Monas.

Some of the vendors, who have been in the area for years, predicted that the doomsday of their business loomed ominously.

They strongly believe customers will chose to dine at the tidy tents which offer attractive menus, rather than eat at their dull-looking stalls.

Saiful, a Padang satay vendor, said: "We only offer food here, but they have many selling points. Their tents, for example, are more attractive than ours because they have more capital."

But others believe the street cafes will not affect their businesses as both types of food stalls have customers from different segments.

"Not all people, particularly those with big families, can afford to have meals at the cafes. We should also believe that everybody has their own fate," said Nur, a vendor of ketoprak, a traditional vegetable salad. (ind)