Jakarta Fair: A story of lost children and show-off women
Jakarta Fair: A story of lost children and show-off women
JAKARTA (JP): When you go to the Jakarta Fair hold on to your
little ones tight, because at least 10 children get lost everyday
at the crowded annual fair.
"You shouldn't wander away like that, didn't I tell you to
stay close to me?," said one angry mother, pinching her small boy
who had spent 10 minutes crying his lungs out at an information
counter.
Jakarta Fair organizers claimed that, since the opening on
June 14, at least 30,000 people have visited the fair each
weekday, and the number has doubled on weekends.
According to an information counter at the fair, people come
for various reasons. Some visit the fair for T-Shirts and sports
items, while others look for computers, electronic goods and
beauty products.
The spacious fairground is decorated with lamps, lasers and
hundreds of balloons. At night the lights are so luminous that
they practically light up surrounding areas.
Women who have visited the fair, looking glamorous with heavy
make up, have also been an interesting sight.
Never mind about the long, hot walk they have to take in the
heat, even though it eventually ruins their makeup.
A young woman was seen wearing a tight top and pants while her
makeup starting melting on her face. But she seemed to enjoy
herself carrying her bags full of goods.
Her reluctant male friend in Bermuda shorts and a T-shirt was
seemingly being dragged from one fashion stall to another.
Many visitors have also been stopping by food stalls, some of
them looking for traditional food from Jakarta.
Some of them eat their food standing behind stalls, while
others try to find empty spaces and sit on the floor.
The crowds have been bigger in front of information counters.
Karuna, a resident of Central Jakarta, said that he had been
to the Jakarta Fair twice and both times he asked for directions
at information counters.
"The first time I asked because I didn't want to get lost at
this big and crowded place. But since this is my second time
here, I know my way around fairly well. That's why I brought some
of my friends here tonight," he said.
The fair has three information counters located in three
halls: A, B, and C. Halls A and B house trading exhibitions,
while Hall C is occupied by provincial administration displays,
and Hall D contains exhibitions of other products.
Ratna, who works at one of the counters, said that 90 percent
of visitors asking for information ask where the ATMs are, and
others are eager to know about foreign products and electronics
exhibitions.
"Chinese Indonesians who come usually ask for specific sites,
such as lantern exhibitions, while Moslems asked for places
selling Islamic souvenirs," she said.
A lantern exhibition will be opened July 5 and will last for
one week.
Benny, a resident of North Jakarta who came with his friend,
said that he would like to see the Iranian exhibition.
"This is my first time here, that's why I asked for a fair map
because I don't want to get lost, especially at night," he said.
Benny said he thought the map and the big signs were clear
enough to follow. (12)