Street festival kicks off modestly in Kuningan
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.