Soeharto expected to open Jakarta Fair

JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is expected to open the 29th Jakarta Fair, which will be held in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta from June 15 to July 14, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday.

"The fair will open at 3:00 p.m. and close at 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, the fair will open at 10 a.m.," he said.

Surjadi spoke to reporters following a meeting with the President at Merdeka Palace, during which he had briefed the President on the fair's preparations.

He said that the city administration as well as city residents were looking forward to the President opening the fair this year. Surjadi did not reveal, however, if President Soeharto had agreed to the request.

Up until now, vice presidents have opened and closed the fair, which has been useful in promoting both local and foreign products.

Surjadi, which was accompanied by Jakarta Fair Director Soekardjo Hardjosoewiryo during the press conference, said that the administration would provide the public with 380 transportation vehicles to and from the fairground.

Soekardjo said that the ticket price would not be increased, remaining at Rp 1,500 for adults and Rp 1,000 for children. Parking fees will be set at Rp 1,500 for one car and Rp 500 for each motorcycle, he said.

"Children from orphan homes, elderly people and veterans will not be charged," Soekardjo said.

He said that 2.4 million people are expected to visit the fair, being held in Kemayoran for its fifth year. About 80,000 people are expected to visit the fair each day.

He added that 810 companies, including those from Iran, Taiwan, Japan, U.S., South Korea, Malaysia, India and Pakistan, have confirmed their participation at the fair. (sur)