Street festival kicks off modestly in Kuningan

Dewi Santoso, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The opening day of Festival Rasuna 2004 at Pasar Festival mall on Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Saturday, did not attract many visitors in the morning, despite its loud interactive games and barongsai (dragon dance) attraction.

But hopes are high for more visitors on the last day of the festival on Sunday which will be highlighted by many lively events, including a record attempt for the most number of people having breakfast together as well as a performance by Indonesian rap musician Iwa K.

The festival, which was organized by Indo.com and mainly sponsored by Bakrie & Brothers, is aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) throughout the country, whose contribution to the recovery of the economy has been enormous, but whose existence is often ignored.

According to Yayasan Bina Mitra Bakrie (YBMB) assistant manager Zulfikar Rasti, who is also the head of the festival's organizing committee, 267 of the 300 available booths are occupied.

"Of the 267 booths, 38 are occupied by Bakrie & Brothers' business affiliates and 42 by SMEs who are Bakrie & Brothers' partners," Zulfikar said on Saturday.

He added that the other 187 booths were occupied by private individuals and SMEs who were not the sponsor's partners.

There are also dozens of modest stands erected not far from the well-managed booths.

Most of the stands are selling handicrafts and silver jewelry, but others have food and beverages.

Nani, the owner of a handicraft stand, said that she paid Rp 900,000 (US$107) for the 3 x 5 meter stand.

"The fee is for two days, today and tomorrow. Compared to the rental fee of Rp 1.5 million (US$178) for one booth, my stand is cheaper," said Nani.

She said that around midday, she had sold three handbags made of woven bamboo.

"The sales have not been good, but it's not very bad, either. I hope more people will come here tonight and tomorrow so that I can sell more," said the 38-year-old who came from Garut, West Java, to participate in the festival.

Another participant, Ratna, said that she had not sold any of her apparel.

"I think it's normal as today is the first day. But I hope many people will come tomorrow as the last day of any event is usually more crowded," said the Jakartan.