Jakarta Fair wraps up 'most successful' year ever

The Jakarta Post

This year's Jakarta Fair completely outdid its predecessor and not only because it recorded sales of Rp 1.5 trillion (US$166 million).

Governor Sutiyoso spoke at the closing of the 40th annual city fair and said the fair's success "was not only measured by the high number of transactions and visitors, but by the security and transportation access."

Fair committee chairwoman Siti Hartati Murdaya said total sales were three times that of the city's 39th fair.

According to the survey conducted by the University of Indonesia, sales of automotive products led with Rp 800 billion, followed by electronic products, home appliances, food and beverages, furniture and handicrafts.

"The numbers will keep increasing as many transactions need to be followed up after the fair is finished," Hartati said.

The 32-day event was held from June 14 to July 15 at the Jakarta Fair Ground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, as part of the commemoration of the capital's 460th anniversary on June 22.

"More than 3 million people have visited the fair, which is an increase of 10 percent from last year," she said.

Hartati said the fair was also good for employment with some 30,000 people hired for the event.