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)