Malaysian Tourists Patronise Antique Market In Jalan Surabaya

FROM AHMAD FUAD YAHYA JAKARTA, April 2 (Bernama) -- The antique market in Jalan Surabaya which has long been patronised by European tourists is now a favourite among Asean tourists, especially from Malaysia and Singapore. The antiques which come in the form of lamps, paintings and household items made of wood, brass, silver and ceramic are unique as they have special characteristics. Dealer Ujang said the Malaysian tourists who flocked to his shop include ten antique dealers who arrive monthly to buy the items for resale back in Malaysia. "European tourists used to be the majority here decades ago but now there are more South-east Asian tourists." Ujang said most of the European tourists were from Holland and Britain while many of the Asian tourists were from Japan. The Jalan Surabaya antique market streching 500 metres was made an antique trading centre and a must visit tourist site by Jakarta provincial government. Opened by Jakarta governor Ali Sadikin in 1974, the antique market which now has rows of kiosks was originally the home of roadside stalls in the form of tents. --BERNAMA