Discounts of up to 70 percent are expected to lure people to 321 shopping centers expected to take part in the country’s biggest sales event, Indonesia Great Sale, which will be held from Aug. 14 to 25.

Organized by the Indonesian Shopping Center Association (APPBI) and the Indonesian Retailers Association (Aprindo), the shopping extravaganza is meant to commemorate Indonesia’s 74^th Independence Day.

“I hope the Indonesia Great Sale [to be held] simultaneously at many shopping centers will provide the best shopping experience to obtain various products with fantastic discounts,” APPBI chairman A. Stefanus Ridwan S said in a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

Meanwhile, the chairwoman of APPBI’s Jakarta chapter, Ellen Hidayat, expressed hope that 82 shopping centers in the capital would take part in the event. She added that 11 had confirmed their participation.

As one highlight of the event, the Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants Association (PHRI) would present a culinary festival in an outdoor area of Grand Said Java Hotel in Jakarta, she said, adding that the festival would feature dishes from across the country.

The organizing committee of the event would also hold various competitions involving shoppers. “The competitions are held to [teach children about] the country’s Independence Day,” she added. (bbn)