President to Open Jakarta Fair Tonight

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to officially open the 43rd Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran in Central Jakarta tonight.

One of the key events in the Jakarta calender, the annual event held to mark the city’s anniversary will be held from June 10 to July 11.

The cost of admission, the same as last year, is Rp 15,000 ($1.60) per person from Monday to Thursday and Rp 20,000 from Friday to Sunday.

As part of this year’s celebrations, the fair features concerts on each of its 32 days, including by Agnes Monica, Iwan Fals, ST12, Boomerang, Sheila on 7, The Changcuters, Dewa, Andra & Backbone, Maliq & D’essential, Netral, Padi, Slank, Ungu, Cokelat, Nidji and Naif. International musician Keith Martin has also been booked to perform.

Budi Santoso, managing director PT. Jakarta International Expo, said the event, which was held to mark the capital’s 483rd anniversary, was also held to coincide with the school holidays.

“The event is the biggest for business promotions, exhibitions and entertainment,” he said.

JIExpo is targeting an average of 100,000 visitors per day, or a total of 3.2 million visitors and Rp 3 trillion in revenue.

Some 2,500 companies and government bodies are participating in the fair. The fair comprises 13 exhibition zones spread over 44 hectares. There is space for 9,000 cars and 25,000 motorcycles to park.