Jalan Jaksa Fair less spirited than usual

Jalan Jaksa Fair less spirited than usual

JP/R. Berto Wedhatama

The popular annual festival held around Jl. Jaksa, a favorite
place for budget tourists, brightened up the area for only a few
hours on Friday.

Owing to the obvious lack of preparation and promotion by the
organizer, the Jakarta Tourism Agency, the one-day celebration
was the least lively so far.

Though, named the Jl. Jaksa Festival, the giant stage was
placed at the T-junction of Jl. Jaksa and Jl. Hasyim Azhari,
where most attractions and stands were set.

Several groups of musicians performed in the middle of Jl.
Hasyim Azhari, while dozens of stands featured an array of
products ranging from traditional food, beverages, souvenirs,
acupuncture treatment to a fortune-telling stand (see photo).

"I happened to see the preparation when strolling for fresh
air this morning. The hotel receptionist told me that today is
the Jl. Jaksa Fair," said a backpacker from Turkey, Marc Dida,
29.

The fair was officiated by Deputy Governor Fauzi Bowo at 7
p.m.

Many visitors who live or work in the area had come to take
part in the fair since 11 a.m.

However, most of them lamented that this year's fair was
poorly prepared therefore it failed to attract more visitors.

"I don't know why most hostels, cafes and bars along Jl. Jaksa
do not decorate or put up any ornaments in their premises or
provide promotional discounts to indicate their participation in
the celebration," said Indri, 24, a resident of nearby Kebon
Sirih subdistrict.

Jl. Jaksa was completely closed to motorists the whole day.
Traditional delicacies provided at 44 food stalls representing
the subdistricts and districts in the city were placed in the
middle of the narrow street. (JP/Damar Harsanto)