Jakarnaval event which held along Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat until Hotel Indonesia traffic circle became different gifts for hundreds of food and drink traders. They admitted to receive million of rupiah from the event which officially opened by acting Jakarta Governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama.

I have to be brave to fulfill daily needs

Fitri (35), a Soto Madura trader who trades above Jalan Merdeka Barat sidewalk admitted, her food was sold out because buyer bought her food since morning. Besides of that, even though she was trading on forbidden area, she was not afraid to be controlled by Satpol PP officer. “ I have to be brave to fulfill daily needs ,” said Fitri, Sunday (6/22).

Fitri explained, on normal day, she could sell Rp 10 thousand for one portion of Soto Madura, but because there is Jakarta Anniversary celebration, she increased the price until 100 percent to be Rp 20 thousand. “I sell more than 100 portions today. The benefit is about Rp 3 million,” added Fitria.

On the same location, Sanus (27) a drink trader also have multiplied benefit. “It is impossible to have benefit for thousands of rupiah on normal day,” he admitted.

According to Sanusi, on normal days he could sell teh botol for Rp 3 thousands, but exclusively on Jakarnaval event he increased the price for five thousand rupiah. “This is a chance to have benefits on crowded event,” he explained.

The attitude of traders to get benefit during the event is complained by Jakarnaval visitors. One of them is Halasan Moerdani (30). A resident of Jatinegara, East Jakarta admitted shocked when he ordered for Soto Madura. “This is extortion. How could a Soto Madura which sell on road side like this can have price for Rp 20 thousand per portion,” he uttered.