What they say about shopping in Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): If you want to find out about shopping in Jakarta, your best bet is to ask the shoppers themselves. Here are a variety of comments, some optimistic about Jakarta's prospect as a shopper's paradise, and others a little bit doubtful:

L. A. Hanafiah, chairman of the Indonesian Heart Foundation, believes Indonesia could become a major shopping destination.

Hanafiah, who often travels abroad to attend events relating to his work, noted, however, that Indonesia has some way to go before it can attract shoppers like other famous destinations.

"It's possible for Indonesia to become a shopping destination, because there are many supporting factors, such as famous and luxurious shopping malls and boutiques, which sell internationally recognized brands. Besides, the prices are not much different from those overseas," he said.

Hanafiah believes that Indonesia should also promote its local products, including garments from local designers such as those belonging to Ghea. He says arts and handicrafts are the main attraction for foreign visitors.

"However, if people want to find the latest fashion designs, maybe Indonesia doesn't have them yet," he said.

"Even though the shops in Mangga Dua sell famous brands, I doubt the originality of the products. Maybe they were made here or imported from other countries," he said.

Martina Widjaja, businessperson and chairwoman of the Indonesian AIDS Foundation, says there is a marked increase in the availability of products here compared to some years ago.

"I travel to other countries; Just about everywhere at least once in a year, including to shop. I mostly look for fashion products," she said of her excursions.

"But compared to several years ago, my shopping trips (to other countries) have decreased because now, lots of famous brands are also sold in Indonesia," she said.

Similarly, Jenny F.A. who works at a regional organization's office in Jakarta, applauds the increase in variety and availability of consumer goods here.

"The potential is great. There's more specialist shopping areas," she replied when asked to comment on the prospect of Jakarta becoming a shopping haven.

Based on her experiences in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok, Jenny claims that prices here are competitive.

"You don't have to go out (abroad) any more. There's more variety in consumer goods and brand names," she said.

As an example, she pointed to an experience just a few years ago in which she had to order from a friend abroad to get a brand of soap.

She said while working at her office, which deals with expatriates, she often hears from people who are very satisfied with shopping in Jakarta.

However, she said that so-called "sales" here pale in comparison to the ones they have in Singapore.

"Sales here are just teasers; they're not real sales," she said.

Jenny also laments the lack of carefully considered "amenities" for shoppers, such as clean toilets and readily available parking.

Wulan, an account executive at a leading advertising company, also notes the lack of amenities as a drawback of shopping here.

"The whole atmosphere in Singapore is conducive for people to shop," she said, in comparison to Jakarta.

In terms of prices, she believes there is not much difference between the two countries. "Prices in Singapore and Jakarta are relatively the same," she said.

According to Wulan, most goods that one could possibly desire are available here, and there is no need to run abroad just for the sake of choice.

"Jakarta is quite sufficient. Basically, everything suffices one's needs," she said.

A. Simons, an American working at a consultancy in Jakarta, says that apart from reading materials, mostly everything is available at an acceptable quality.

She adds that having lived in Jakarta for about two years, it becomes clear that certain places cater or specialize in certain goods. "Once you know that, you know where all the best prices are," she said.

In her assessment, garments are very cheap here. However, the actual style and fashion leaves something to be desired. "But they're generally alright. And if you want the really chic ones, then go to a designer boutique," she said.

Babe, a business executive, says that many people now prefer shopping in Jakarta following the increase in the price of goods in Singapore. The reason is that the value of the Singaporean dollar against the U.S dollar is continuing to rise.

"Nevertheless, not all goods in Jakarta are cheaper than in Singapore. For example, I recently bought a Bulgari watch at Hyatt Galleria in Plaza Indonesia for about Rp 17 million (about US$7,200), which I found out later was selling cheaper in Singapore," he said.

"Many foreigners now love shopping in Mangga Dua, where brand name goods are reportedly sold at lower prices. I, however, doubt the originality of the products. They have labels indicating famous brand names, but real shoppers can see from the leather quality, fabrics, and other features whether they are fakes or originals. They might have been manufactured in Hong Kong or Taiwan."

"Anyway, for me, shopping in Jakarta is more convenient than in Singapore in the sense that shoppers can drive to the shopping centers, park their cars there and easily get back to their cars. In Singapore, cars are not allowed to park near the shopping centers, and you'll find it difficult to return to your car," he added.