VISITING GORO FAIR:

VISITING GORO FAIR:

JP/alx

President Soeharto (second right) inspected a fair held at
the Goro wholesale center yesterday evening where the food
stalls use coal briquettes to cook food.

"Using briquettes is cheaper than using gas or kerosene Pak,"
said food stall owner Ibu Moer. Her stall sells Javanese food.

Soeharto has campaigned for years for people to use
briquettes.

The president went to Goro fair to break his fast with eight
ministers including Coordinating Minister of Production and
Distribution Hartarto and Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad.

Traders at Goro fair told Soeharto that briquettes were more
economical than gas but said gas was easier to use.

Soeharto took time to inspect the stalls and talk to the
traders.

One female attendant at a herbal medicine and tonic kiosk
blushed when Soeharto asked her about the efficacy of her herbs.

"They are good for your health Pak," she replied. The kiosk
was selling herbal concoctions designed to strengthen a man's
virility.

To break his fast Soeharto ordered chicken satay and kerak
telor. Hartarto drank a glass of herbal tonic.

Also present were Soeharto's son Sigit Harjoyudanto and his
wife Elsye, Soeharto's daughter Siti Hediati Herijadi, and timber
tycoon Muhammad "Bob" Hasan.

Goro fair is controlled by Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo
Mandala Putera. PT Aryo Seto Wijoyo distributes the coal
briquettes nationally, it is partially owned by Sigit. (prb)