Vendors in Glodok report good sales prior to `Imlek'
M. Taufiqurrahman, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Two weeks ago, Andi, 32, was just an ordinary street vendor selling pirated video compact discs (VCDs) in Glodok, Jakarta's Chinatown, before he decided to sell paraphernalia for Imlek (Chinese New Year).
In a such of short time, he has reaped a handsome profit from the business.
He sells angpao (red envelopes that supposedly bring good luck to their recipients), one of the hottest selling items sold for Imlek, as well as firecrackers, small and large ten lung (red lanterns); shian tau trees and other related merchandise.
"Although most buyers are from the Chinese community, trade is quite good as this place is widely known for the items and those who observe Imlek know it well," he said, adding that his daily turnover could reach Rp 2 million (US$230).
Inside his makeshift stall he erected in the interstices of the sidewalk vendors quarter right in front of Harco Glodok electronics market, a lantern is available for Rp 12,500 and a string of firecrackers for Rp 35,000.
A native of Palembang, Andi expects that once the Chinese New Year is over he can go home with a good profit from a total turnover of Rp 18 million. "And I will once again return to my old business of selling VCDs," he told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
Another vendor, A Siu, who is of Chinese descent, is also during a roaring trade. "Ever since the government lifted the ban on Imlek celebrations, the Chinese have come out to openly celebrate the festival. Chinese people are no longer afraid to buy things for Imlek," she told the Post.
She said that most of the items in her shop were imported from China and Taiwan by wholesalers at Pasar Pagi market.
"Other merchandise, however, is made locally in Tangerang, Cirebon and Tegal," she said, referring to regencies in Banten province, West and Central Java respectively, which are renowned for kue kranjang (taffy made of palm sugar).
Kue kranjang, which is available for Rp 5,000 per piece, and a variety of candy is given to friends and relatives who visit a person's home during the celebration.
However, A Siu said the freedom to celebrate Imlek had also had an adverse impact on her business. "Ever since the policy banning Imlek celebrations was revoked in 2000, more and more traders have joined the fray and the competition gets tougher and tougher," she said.
She said her daily turnover was now only around Rp 1.5 million figure, down from last year's Rp 2 million.
Chinese around the world will celebrate Chinese New Year on Jan. 22. Before the ban on celebrating Imlek was lifted by then president Abdurrahman Wahid, Chinese-Indonesians observed the occasion in a secretive manner.