Hobbyists show off pets and plants at fair

Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta

Taking a keen interest in animals or breeding flowers, is for most people just a hobby, but some serious breeders of plants and animals are turning their pastimes into lucrative businesses.

Every year, hundreds of people take part in the flora and fauna exhibition, FLONA, organized by the Jakarta Parks Agency.

"Some 300 participants took part in the fair this year, most of them took part in previous years," secretary of the fair's management Heru Bambang Ernanto, told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

Dri Gunawan, 45, was among those who began developing his hobby, breeding reptiles, into a serious business. He even quit his job at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) amusement park in East Jakarta.

"I officially retired from Taman Mini on Aug. 4. From now on, I am focusing on reptiles alone," he told the Post.

He said he could earn up to Rp 2.5 million (US$280) a month, much higher than his previous salary of around Rp 1.5 million.

Dri has also expanded his business, so that he not only sells reptiles but also their food, including mice and rats.

"This business has a good future ... many people ask my advice on how to take care of their reptiles," said Gunawan, who rents a house in Bintaro, South Jakarta.

Gunawan said he hoped he could attend more flora and fauna exhibitions, to reach more consumers, as well as to exchange experiences with other hobbyists.

Hundreds of species of ornamental plants and pet animals are displayed at the fair, which is open from Aug. 6 through Aug. 30. There is no entrance fee and the fair opens at 10 a.m. and runs through to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.

Various kinds of fruit trees -- apple, jackfruit, kelengkeng or longan, sawo (Acrhras zapota), durian and guava -- dominate the fair at Lapangan Banteng park in Central Jakarta.

Most visitors, however, prefer the stalls where hamsters, turtles, iguana, snakes, monkey, white mice, ayam pelung or long crower cocks are on display, as well as various orchids, cacti and medicinal herbs.

Bambang said that in trying to attract as many visitors as possible, other events would also be held, such as various contests, competitions and classes on how to take care of pets and plants.

"Every visitor who spent at least Rp 50,000 will get a free fruit-tree seedling," he added.