Benhil street festival offers fun for all the family

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sun, 04/27/2008 12:47 PM  |  Headlines

BENHIL FESTIVAL: (JP/Triwi Kurniasari)Food, clothes and plant stalls have been set up along half of Jl. Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, for the two-week Bendungan Hilir Expo, which opened April 20.

At the festival, held by Bendungan Hilir subdistrict, Jakartans can enjoy snacks and food, like seafood, kerak telor (Betawi-style omelet) and serabi Bandung (rice flour pancakes in syrup).

Plant stalls offer various species, like purings (Codiaeum variegatum) and anthuriums, while other vendors sell accessories, clothes, electronics and motorcycles.

A play area for children has been set up, complete with a ball pool and rides.

The festival stretches about 300 meters along the road, which is still open to motorists. There are about 80 stalls.

"We chose to hold the festival on the street in hope of attracting passersby and motorists. It's a strategic location, between the residential area and office blocks," said one of the festival organizers, Muhammad Sofani, on Saturday, adding the road would only close if their were a special event, like a marching band parade.

Besides the stalls, the festival also hosts dangdut and Betawi music performances on a stage on the side of the road.

"We also hold some competitions for children and adults, such as singing, dancing, drawing, coloring and cooking," said Sofani.

The festival has received a positive response from visitors. Arifah, an elementary school teacher in Bendungan Hilir, said she was excited about going to the event.

"I enjoy browsing around the plant stalls. I often come to the festival during lunch time," Arifah said.

Mural, a Pejompongan resident, feels the same. She took her two children to the ball pool stall, which charges Rp 5,000 per for 15 minutes.

"It's good the festival has a ball pool so my children can play here. I don't have to go far to an amusement park like in Ancol," said Mural.

The festival is the first such event to be held by Bendungan Hilir subdistrict.

"Although it is a brand new event, we are hoping to draw many visitors. It is free. We don't charge any admission fees," said Sofani.

The festival is open until May 4, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (trw)

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