Jakarta Fair fails to reach target of 2 million visitors
Jakarta Fair fails to reach target of 2 million visitors
Rizky KD Ntoma, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The month-long Jakarta Fair was finally closed on Sunday by event
organizer chairman Guruh Soekarnoputra, a younger brother of
President Megawati Soekarnoputri. The closing ceremony was marked
by fireworks and a concert from rock band Jamrud.
A total of 1,760,315 visitors attended the annual event at the
Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. The number was
higher than last year's 1,468,019 visitors but was still lower
than the expected two million visitors.
Opened on June 12, the number of participating exhibitors
reached 1,186, well above the target of 950.
Jazai, a public relations officer at the fair, said that as of
Friday business transactions had reached Rp 180 billion (US$21.9
million), dominated by automotive and electronic sales. The
target was Rp 200 billion.
"The revenue from ticket sales until Saturday reached around
Rp 12 billion. We can't give the exact amount because we have to
wait for ticket sales for today. The result will be announced
next week."
The performance of several top local artists including
gyrating dangdut queen Inul Daratista, pop/rock group Dewa, pop
group Sheila on Seven and rock groups Slank and Jamrud boosted
visitors to the fair, which is staged to celebrate the city's
anniversary.
"Many teenagers came to Kemayoran to watch their idols
performing here," Jazai said.
Besides targeting youth spectators, the organizers also
arranged shows for children, featuring child singers Tasya,
Joshua and Marshanda.
Despite the extravaganza, visitors complained about the
increasing price of the tickets. The entrance fee was Rp 6,000 on
weekdays and Rp 8,000 on weekends. The price is slightly higher
than last year's weekend entrance fee of Rp 7,500.
Fahruddin, from Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, said the ticket
price should not be raised every year.
"I don't know why they raise the ticket price because I don't
see any significant changes," said Fahruddin, who said he had
visited the fair every year since it was staged at the National
Monument (Monas) park in Central Jakarta.
He also hoped the organizers returned the event to Monas
because "Kemayoran is too far away".
Budi Utomo from Bekasi also complained about the entrance fee.
"The Jakarta administration should do something about it like
give a subsidy, for instance," he said. However, he was impressed
with the change of stall arrangements at the fair.
Ronny from Bintaro called on the organizers to give cheaper
prices for weekend tickets.
"Besides, the site in Kemayoran is too far, it would be better
at Monas," he said.
Ronny suggested the committee provide more entertainment for
children.
"I can't understand why the children's playground is located
in a hot, open area. The committee should provide an air-
conditioned area, like in the malls, and have more attractions
for kids," he said.
Food vendors also complained they were not allowed to operate
in certain areas.
Rahim, a 50-year-old kerak telor vendor from Warung Buncit,
complained about the increasing costs of renting space. It cost
him Rp 450,000, 50 percent higher than last year's Rp 300,000.
"I also hope to be able to sell inside the fairground next
year. The outer area is not a strategic place to sell, visitors
can hardly see us," he said.
Next year's fair is scheduled to take place between June 17
and July 18.