Stalls scalped for profit

Stalls scalped for profit

PONOROGO, East Java (JP): A new phenomenon occurred here at
the annual night bazaar to welcome Idul Fitri, with scalpers
renting out stalls to vendors.

"These scalpers are a new occurrence. It never happened
before," the head of general affairs at the Ponorogo Regency
Office, Tony Hendratmoko, said as quoted by Antara.

Tony said the official price to rent a three-by-three meter
size stall at the bazaar, located in the regency square, ranged
from Rp 42,500 (US$4.50) to Rp 50,000 ($5.30).

"But scalpers hiked the prices by three to five times, and
it's such a loss for vendors," he said.

According to Tony, the case surfaced after a fight occurred
among the vendors.

There was no word, however, on whether any action was taken
against the scalpers.(hdn)