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Weekly 5: Food is a lucrative business during Ramadhan
(JP/P
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(JP/P.J. Leo) (JP/P.J. Leo)
(JP/P.J. Leo)
Money is not everything, but everything is nothing without money. That's why many across the city not only use the fasting month for atonement but also for business. Here are five of the hottest commodities this month.
'Kurma' (Dates)
Kurma can be found everywhere in the lead up to and during the fasting month, which has led many to sell this tasty fruit.
The Prophet was said to have broken his fast by eating dates and until this day, many Muslims choose to begin the breaking of the fast with dates, as well as incorporating them in beverages and cakes because their high sugar content.
In the spirit of there being something to suit every taste, there is a plethora of dates available throughout the city.
Tenants at Tanah Abang market's Blok C, for example, sell honey dates for Rp 35,000 per kilogram and the Tunisian variety for Rp 80,000 per kg.
Crackers, cookies
At the end of the fasting month, Muslims celebrate Idul Fitri and undertake silaturahmi (friendly meeting). To welcome guests, crackers or cookies are provided or given as gifts.
Bakers see the annual Islamic celebration as a lucrative business opportunity. Sales will mushroom during the 30-day fasting month.
As such, various varieties are available for upward of Rp 30,000 per box and can be found in minimarkets and malls.
'Takjil' beverages
It is advised that the breaking of the fast is started with something refreshing. In Indonesia, these treats are called takjil and can be beverages, such as es campur (mixed ice), or deserts, such as kolak pisang (banana cooked in coconut milk and palm sugar), and can be bought on most streets and in front of many homes.
To stand out from the rest, sellers may add additional ingredients, such as biscuits. These sweet treats are very affordable, with prices ranging from Rp 5,000 (41 US cents) to Rp 10,000.
Pre-dawn meals
Residents also jump on the opportunity to sell pre-dawn meals (sahur) and set up stalls outside their houses.
Ratna Arumqi, a mother of two young children in Pondok Cabe, South Tangerang, said she always prepared a variety of dished suitable for sahur and she had a great number of customers in her housing compound.
'I have two assistants this Ramadhan,' she said on Thursday, adding that she had sold food for the past few years.
Street vendors
Jakarta's traffic congestion is infamous. So, who can blame those that have taken to the streets to sell snacks to those caught in traffic.
Sticky rice (lemper) and steamed buns are favorites of those caught in traffic jams during rush hour on Jl. HR Rasuna Said and Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio in South Jakarta.
Meanwhile, vendors at the Pancoran intersection, South Jakarta, offer delicious cookies and beverages such as iced tea and mineral water.
Throughout the city, vendors are raking in the cash thanks to macet (traffic jams) and those fasting can be happy in the knowledge, that even if they get caught out, they can find something to eat. ' JP
