Bookworms enjoy cheaper books in annual fair
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Sat, 11/07/2009 1:03 PM | City
Lawmaker Mahfudz Shiddiq looked absorbed zipping through an array of books being displayed in a stand at the Indonesia Book Fair in the Assembly Hall of the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), on Friday.
He gave a cursory glance at the discounted children's books stopped to pick up a copy of Ratatouille, complete with sound and music to support the story, among a pile of Rp 10,000 books.
The legislator from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) seemed determined to buy at least one of the interesting discounted books.
In another discount bin in the same stand were three imported books on sale for Rp 10,000.
"Book fairs always make for fun visits," Mahfudz told The Jakarta Post.
"I can buy good books for my kids. The variety here is large and the books are cheap," he added.
As a legislator, Mahfudz said the country needed more book fairs to get people to love reading.
"This fair is an enjoyable way to get people interested in books," he said.
He added that the fair also allowed people on limited budgets to purchase expensive books through discounts.
However, Mahfudz suggested that organizers had to start targeting a wider audience in other cities across the country.
"Yogyakarta already had the Jogja Book Fair," Mahfudz said, referring to the fair held in August that attracted more than 80,000 visitors.
"Other cities should certainly follow suit," he said.
Meanwhile, Lutfia, 27, a businesswoman who resides in Tangerang, Banten, said that she was a frequent visitor to book fairs.
"I like to buy and collect children's storybooks and books on Islam. These are the best places to buy books because of the discounted prices," she added.
Tickets can be purchased for Rp 5,000 per person from Radyatama Organizer, or visitors can make use of the Drop-Your-Books program instead. The 29th annual running of this book fair ends on Sunday.
The ticket also allows visitors the chance to enjoy the concurrent IndoComTech computer and gadget exhibition.
"The idea of implementing tickets and drop-your-books program are ways to screen visitors. Therefore, serious visitors will get to enjoy the more convenient exhibition areas," she said.
This year, the Indonesian Book Fair's main theme is Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta is renowned as one of the country's main education and culture hubs.
The organizers have provided 112 stands for 80 participating exhibitors. Participants include book publishers, bookstores and stationary companies.
The organizers have also provided space for discussions on new books or films, as well as a special corner to enjoy international and local movies.
The Post observed that the imported books area drew most visitors, due to discounts of up to 80 percent.
