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)