Pasar Baru complex not a draw for tourists

JAKARTA (JP): The newly declared tourist shopping destination, the Pasar Baru complex in Central Jakarta, has yet to prove its magnitude in bringing more tourists into the capital.

There have been few significant changes in the 575-meter long old shopping arcade despite the existing huge entrance gate, titled "Passer Baroe", in reference to the complex's name during the Dutch colonial era.

Tourists, expected to immediately flock to the area after the project was launched on Oct. 10, have hardly been seen in the complex.

Several shop owners and employees criticized the city administration on Tuesday for its failure to invite them to actively participate in the project development of the tourism area.

"So far, we do not feel any significant impact from the city administration's recent promotion, such as an increase in the number of visitors or our profits," said Yanto, an employee at the Indah Nam jewelry shop.

"Such a bad situation was probably caused by the city administration's failure to include shop owners here in the development project of the shopping complex.

"We knew nothing about the administration's plan to develop the Pasar Baru shopping complex into a tourism area until when it was launched a month ago."

In an ambitious campaign to mark the awakening of Jakarta's tourism image, the city administration held a "Passer Baroe" festival last month.

The festival organizer presented a series of attractions of musical performances, street artist shows and a photo exhibition. It also displayed decorated boats in the nearby Ciliwung River.

The increasing number of visitors to the shopping arcade during the festival was believed to have been connected with the performance of the once-banned Barongsay dance.

But the complex turned into a mere shopping arcade again after the festival was over. Even its physical condition has worsened due to the growing number of sidewalk vendors, who have further narrowed the street and withered decorative flowers.

Owner of the Populer watch shop, Mrs. Ayung, however, said that it would take time to make the project a successful one.

"I think we are at the beginning of an economic recovery. So, we cannot expect a sudden change in the shopping complex," she said.

Separately, a consultant for the Pasar Baru revitalization project, Rai Pratadaja, complained that it was the shop owners who did not actively support the program.

"In an effort to develop their awareness, we are planning to revitalize the Pintu Air shopping complex, which is adjacent to Pasar Baru, to create a competitive spirit among shop owners," he said.

Rai said the administration had planned to organize a special event during the Muslim Ramadhan fasting month, which would start next month.

"We plan to organize a food festival along the arcade so that Muslims can have their post-fasting meals while shopping. But, we will first wait for the shop owners' responses," he said. (ind)