Scalpers rampant at 'Republic Bagong'

JAKARTA (JP): Scalpers are rampant at the drama performance from Teater Koma titled "Republik Bagong" since it started a few days ago at Graha Bhakti Budaya in Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) Arts Center, Central Jakarta.

The scalpers hiked the price from Rp 35,000 (US$3.18) for a first class ticket to as much as Rp 150,000 ($13.63), Antara reported.

For the second class and third class tickets, they increased them from Rp 25,000 and Rp 10,000 respectively to Rp 50,000 and Rp 100,000.

Sridadi Adipurnomo, an actor who is also a member of the performance committee, said the committee had warned the scalpers long before the performance started.

"We've warned them, and we have even quarreled with them. We also told them to at least not increase the price too much," he said.

The drama, a parody of recent political events in the country, was supposed to end on Sunday, but due to popular demand, it will be extended until Wednesday. (hdn)