Korean products in the spotlight

Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

As over 20 minutes of dynamic moves and music came to a climax, five male Koreans, performing the traditional dance, Samul Noli, stopped suddenly, with several seconds of silence preceding thunderous applause.

"This is one opportunity to introduce our culture to Indonesians, so that Korea and Indonesia can continue to have good relations and understanding," said the Embassy of Korea's press and cultural attache, Kim Sang-sool.

The Korean traditional dance emotes the happiness of villagers after a successful harvest. Its performance on Saturday was but one of several events at the opening of the month-long Korean Festival at D'Best Supermarket on Jl. Fatmawati, South Jakarta.

During the festival it is hoped that Indonesians will be introduced to the hundreds of Korean products on offer -- which range from instant food to fruits to accessories -- and that Korean expatriates living in the capital will have the chance to stock up on their favorite products from home.

Kim Woo-jae, chairman of PT Koin Bumi, the sole supplier of Korean products in Indonesia, hoped that the festival would popularize Korean products here, which, in turn, would strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

"Trade between Indonesia and Korea is growing fast. Korea is one of Indonesia's five biggest trade and investment partners. It is time to introduce our retail products to Indonesians," he said.

He added that, by holding the festival, Korean citizens working in various industries in Indonesia, such as automotive, tile and ceramics, and electronics industries, could compare their products with those of their home country.

"There are over 30,000 Koreans here, and most of them live in Jakarta, particularly South Jakarta. So, they will need Korean products," Kim said.

D'Best director Stephen Sulaiman agreed, saying that after the festival ended on Dec. 26, similar festivals would be staged in the supermarket's two other branches in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, and Cikokol, Tangerang.

A Korean girl, who attended the festival, welcomed the event, saying she had found it difficult to find Korean products, including instant noodles, in local supermarkets.

"I live nearby. I'm glad that finally I can get them (the instant noodles) in my neighborhood," she said.