Military groups hold cheap bazaar

JAKARTA (JP): Cooperatives linked to the Jakarta Military Command started weekly bazaars yesterday selling essential goods cheaply.

The first of the markets, which are targeting densely populated areas, opened at Sarua Lama village in Ciputat, Tangerang, yesterday morning.

Flooded with local residents, the cooperatives sold rice from Rp 1,100 (8 U.S. cents) to Rp 2,000 per kilogram, sugar at Rp 2,250 per kilogram, eggs at Rp 3,000 per kilogram, cooking oil for Rp 3,900 per kilogram and instant noodles at Rp 1,000 for three packs.

Like many military operations, yesterday's event was opened with a speech by City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, read by Col. Dermawan, chairman of one of the cooperatives.

"It's a concrete step by the Armed Forces' to involve itself in helping the people deal with the shortage of basic commodities in this current economic crisis," Sjafrie said in his statement. (ivy)