Roadside food sellers upset

Roadside food sellers upset

YOGYAKARTA: Many roadside food vendors along Jl. Malioboro are
uncertain about the future of their businesses because the
exceptionally high prices set by a few sellers has scared away
customers, mostly tourists.

The roadside food stalls or lesehan as locals call them, are a
a feature peculiar to the ancient city. They open at night after
shops are closed. Customers sit on a mat where the food is served
quickly.

The overpricing by several sellers has been widely criticized
in the local mass media. Warnings that too expensive lesehan food
could threaten the survival of the vendors are frequently heard,
Antara said.

Some vendors eager to rake in big profits sell a piece of
fried chicken at Rp 5,000. The same piece can be obtained at
about Rp 1,500 in a stall somewhere else.

There are about 900 registered lesehan food vendors in the
city. (pan)