T

he Flona 2014, flora and fauna expo, is in now in full bloom at Benteng Square in Central Jakarta, it will run until June 22.

The expo, for agricultural products and animals, features 273 booths selling plants and animals, ranging from the more common to carefully selected rare specimens.

One of the attendees, Eny Rahmawati, said it was the first time she had visited the expo but she had enjoyed it so much she would bring friends next time.

'Today I am just perusing, maybe on my next visit I will make some purchases,' she said, adding that she would return on a weekday, because she believed the event would be quieter.

Heru Bambang, head of public participation at the Jakarta Parks and Cemeteries Agency, said that the committee expected around 500,000 visitors over the course of the 30-day event.

'Last year we saw more than 412,000 visitors. It was not a bad figure, but we would like to get more this year,' he said.

He added that an event like this was not only about celebrating the plants and animals, but also provided a place those blessed with green fingers to meet.

The Flona Fair was first held in 1984 and was an extension of the Flower Festival, which was established in 1977.

There fair are has supporting events scheduled, such as a unique adenium contest, a civet lovers gathering and free medical check ups for animals.

Tjahyo Soemirat, a former army doctor who was selling fruit tree seedlings, said that an exhibition like this could introduce the public to the archipelago's plethora of plant species and the fruit
they bear.

'This is the first time I have participated in this event, I am excited. I have brought more than 400 cuttings with me' he said.

Meanwhile, toward the back of the expo area, there were dozens of animal booths crowded with visitors, most takings picture rather than buying the animals.

'I believe I can sell a lot. Nowadays more people are interested in reptiles as they can keep them inside,' said Oyen, snake and reptile seller.

Oyen, whose 6 by 6 meter air-conditioned tent cost more than Rp 27 million (US$2,268), said that he was a regular participant at the exhibition. He said that business was always good.

'Yesterday I sold a three-month-old boa for Rp 3.5 million. I still have plenty more to sell as my boa gave birth to 30 neonates earlier this year.'

Rudy, a seller of small plants, said he expected a healthy number of customers even though currently there were no particular trends for plants.

'About two years ago I could sell a particular cactus for Rp 500,000, but now, for the same kind of
cactus, I would be lucky if there were someone willing to pay Rp 50,000,' he said, adding that this year he was much better prepared and his rented booth had cost Rp 9 million. (idb)