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)