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Jakarta Fair
Jakarta Fair
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Jakarta Fair
Pekan Raya Jakarta
Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, current location of Jakarta Fair
StatusActive
VenueJakarta International Expo
LocationJakarta
Coordinates6°08′47″S 106°50′45″E / 6.14638716°S 106.84573046°E / -6.14638716; 106.84573046
CountryIndonesia
InauguratedJune 5, 1968; 57 years ago (1968-06-05)
Most recentJune 19, 2025 (2025-06-19)
Organized byPT Jakarta International Expo
Websitewww.jakartafair.co.id
Jakarta Fair exhibitions seen from above

Jakarta Fair (Indonesian: Pekan Raya Jakarta or PRJ, lit.'Jakarta Grand Week') is a fair held annually in Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Indonesia, in June and July. It features exhibitions, trade promotions, shopping, music performances, various shows, amusement rides and a food festival. Jakarta Fair is part of a series of events to held to celebrate the capital's anniversary, which falls on June 22. The Jakarta Fair sees exhibitors from across the country display a whole range of goods and products ranging from specialty food items to traditional handmade arts and crafts. In addition to the many exhibitors, there is also live entertainment including music, dance and cultural performances.[1]

History

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Colonial era

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The fair incorporates trade exhibitions and entertainment that existed in Batavia (now Jakarta) during Dutch East Indies era. Originally the annual fair took place in Koningsplein (now Merdeka square) in Weltevreden Batavia and it was called "Pasar Gambir".

Pekan Raya Indonesia

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Pekan Raya Indonesia (old spelling Pekan Raja Indonesia), or Indonesia Fair,[2] was held for three consecutive years between 1953 and 1955. It was held on the site where Atma Jaya University now stands, on what is then called Kebayoran Road (now Jalan Jendral Sudirman). The 1950s version of the Pekan Raya was held to stimulate the economy of Indonesia by boosting national exports and bringing new technology and products to Indonesia, with main focus on restructuring the economy after the end of the colonial period.[2]

The first Pekan Raya Indonesia was held between 29 August to 4 October 1953, officially known in English as "The First Indonesian International Trade & Industrial Fair". China was the main international exhibitor. Among the notable features of the first Pekan Raya is the Chinese pavilion, which is the largest international pavilion in the Fair.[2]

The second Pekan Raya Indonesia in 1954 has the Soviet Union as the main international exhibitor.[3]

The last Pekan Raya Indonesia in 1955 has the United States as the main international exhibitor. Leading US companies e.g. Ford, General Motors, Caterpillar, Goodyear, RCA and Pan Am make exhibition in the fair. The Holiday on Ice was first introduced to Indonesia through the Pekan Raya Indonesia 1955, whose performance in Jakarta was attended by the wife of the late President, Eleanor Roosevelt.[3] Among other notable features of the last Pekan Raya Indonesia is the Stand Televisi ("television stand"), among the first introduction of a true color television to Indonesia.

Pekan Raya on Medan Merdeka Selatan (1968-1991)

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Entrance to Jakarta Fair on Medan Merdeka in the 1970s showing prominent post-war American-influenced decorations.

The modern Jakarta Fair or Pekan Raya was held again for the first time in 1968 and inaugurated by president Suharto. The fair took place from 5 June to 20 July 1968 on southern part of Merdeka square near National Monument. The idea to hold a grand fair in Jakarta was initiated by Jakarta's governor Ali Sadikin in 1967, inspired by the colonial era Pasar Gambir. He sought a centralized grand fair to combine several night markets ("Pasar Malam") held throughout the city. Since then it has become an annual event as part of the city's anniversary celebrations. The longest Jakarta Fair, of 71 days, was held in 1969. Usually Jakarta Fair is held for 30 to 35 days. United States president Richard Nixon is one of the VIP guest that visit Jakarta Fair 1969.

Part of the Jakarta Fair was the Taman Ria fun park, which was operated all year on the southwest corner of Medan Merdeka, forming part of the Jakarta fairgrounds.[4]

The last Jakarta Fair in southern side of Medan Merdeka was in 1991. In 1992, the fair was relocated to the old Kemayoran Airport site.[4]

Jakarta International Expo at Kemayoran

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Because of the steady growth in participants. the fairground in Medan Merdeka square's southern park was considered to be not large enough to contain the grand fair. In 1992, the Jakarta fairground was moved to its present location in Jakarta International Expo at Kemayoran. The exhibition complex is located on the former Kemayoran Airport.

Present

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In 2010 trade worth Rp 3.5 trillion ($410 million) occurred in Jakarta Fair. The 2011 ticket price is Rp 15,000 ($1.8) on weekdays and Rp 20,000 ($2.4) on Saturday, Sunday and holidays.[5] 2,600 companies joined the 2011 Jakarta Fair in more than 1,300 stalls. The event attracted more than 4 million visitors with transaction worth Rp 3.7 trillion ($432.9 million) and surpassed the target.[6]

Legacy

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A similar fair called Pasar Malam Besar held in The Hague, Netherlands, also inspired by the "Pasar Malam" tradition of colonial era Pasar Gambir.

Date Of Jakarta Fair

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  • 1991 (31 May-20 July)
  • 1992 (5 June-18 July)
  • 1993 (11 June-17 July)
  • 1994 (17 June-16 July)
  • 1995 (17 June-15 July)
  • 1996 (7 June-21 July)
  • 1997 (13 June-13 July)
  • 1998 (12 June-12 July)
  • 1999 (11 June-11 July)
  • 2000 (9 June-9 July)
  • 2001 (15 June-15 July)
  • 2002 (14 June-14 July)
  • 2003 (12 June-13 July)
  • 2004 (17 June-18 July)
  • 2005 (16 June-17 July)
  • 2006 (15 June-16 July)
  • 2007 (14 June-15 July)
  • 2008 (12 June-13 July)
  • 2009 (11 June-12 July)
  • 2010 (10 June-11 July)
  • 2011 (9 June-15 July)
  • 2012 (14 June-15 July)
  • 2013 (6 June-7 July)
  • 2014 (6 June-6 July)
  • 2015 (29 May-5 July)
  • 2016 (10 June-17 July)
  • 2017 (8 June-16 July)
  • 2018 (23 May-1 July)
  • 2019 (22 May - 30 June)
  • 2020-2021 (Event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia)
  • 2022 (9 June-17 July)
  • 2023 (14 June - 16 July)
  • 2024 (12 June - 14 July)[7]
  • 2025 (19 June - 13 July)

See also

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References

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Cited works

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Jakarta Fair, officially known as Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ) or Jakarta Fair Kemayoran (JFK), is the largest annual trade exhibition and cultural event in , held in , , to commemorate the city's founding anniversary on June 22. It showcases thousands of exhibitors from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), cooperatives, and state-owned enterprises, featuring products in categories such as fashion, food and beverages, automotive, electronics, handicrafts, and furniture, while also incorporating like concerts, , and cultural performances to promote domestic and . The event typically spans about one month in June and July at the (JIExpo) in Kemayoran, attracting millions of visitors and generating significant economic activity for local businesses. Initiated in 1967 by the head of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin), Syamsudin Mangan, and Governor , the fair was launched as the Djakarta Fair to boost domestic products and industrial development following Indonesia's economic challenges. The inaugural edition ran from June 5 to July 20, 1968, at the (Monas) area in , officially opened by President Soeharto, and drew approximately 1.4 million attendees under the theme "Development, Progress & Prosperity." Originally inspired by the colonial-era Gambir Market, which began in 1906 to celebrate Queen Wilhelmina's birthday and peaked at 310,000 visitors in 1936 before halting during the Japanese occupation in 1942, the modern fair evolved to emphasize national economic self-sufficiency. In 1992, the event was relocated to the former site, now JIExpo, covering 44 hectares, and renamed Jakarta Fair Kemayoran to accommodate larger-scale exhibitions and modern amenities. Over the years, it has shifted from a primary focus on local industries to include international elements, entertainment, and consumer-oriented attractions, adapting to visitor preferences while continuing to support MSMEs and sustainable . The 2025 edition, themed “Jakarta Fair Kemayoran Supports a Progressive Through Sustainable Innovation and National Creativity,” opened on June 19 at JIExpo with over 2,550 participating companies, attracting 5.9 million visitors and generating Rp 7.3 trillion (approximately $450 million) in transactions, highlighting Jakarta's diversity and role in national development.

History

Colonial Origins

The Pasar Gambir, recognized as the direct precursor to the modern Jakarta Fair, was first organized in 1906 as an annual event in Batavia (present-day ) to coincide with celebrations of Queen Wilhelmina's birthday on August 31. Held at Koningsplein—now known as Merdeka Square—the fair initially served as a modest but quickly evolved into a prominent colonial institution, continuing annually through . During the Dutch colonial era, Pasar Gambir functioned primarily as a multifaceted , entertainment, and cultural fair, designed to stimulate economic activity in the by showcasing both indigenous artisanal products and imported Western goods. The event featured bustling stalls with local crafts, textiles, and foodstuffs alongside European imports, complemented by amusement rides, theatrical performances, and circus acts that drew diverse crowds from , indigenous Indonesians, and Chinese communities. Its purpose extended beyond commerce to promote colonial modernity and cultural exchange, with pavilions often constructed in hybrid architectural styles blending Javanese motifs like Minangkabau roofs with electric lighting to symbolize progress under Dutch rule. In the , Pasar Gambir underwent significant expansions that enhanced its scale and international appeal, including the addition of dedicated performance areas and over 200 vendor stands by 1925, attracting more than 75,000 visitors in its inaugural week of that format. These developments incorporated international pavilions representing Dutch trading partners and emphasized economic promotion, generating substantial profits for the colonial while highlighting the prosperity of the ' export economy through displays of commodities like tea, rubber, and spices. J.H. Antonisse's designs from 1923 onward further elevated the fair's prestige, using temporary structures that merged local vernacular elements with modern amenities to foster a sense of imperial harmony. The fair's last edition occurred from August 25 to September 6, 1939, after which it was discontinued amid escalating tensions leading to in ; it did not resume during the subsequent Japanese occupation of the from 1942 to 1945, marking the end of its colonial phase.

Early Post-Independence Period

Following 's independence, the government organized the first Pekan Raya Indonesia in 1953 to promote national products and foster economic recovery in the post-colonial era. This event, also referred to as Pekan Raya Nasional I, was held from 29 August to 4 October and served as a platform for showcasing domestic industries and trade opportunities. A subsequent international edition followed later that year in October, broadening participation to include foreign exhibitors. The fairs took place at Jalan Jendral Sudirman (formerly known as Kebayoran Road) in the Kebayoran Baru area of from 1953 to 1955, emphasizing local manufacturing, agriculture, and crafts as symbols of national self-sufficiency. Exhibits highlighted Indonesian agricultural products and industrial goods, while cultural performances and shows reinforced anti-colonial sentiments and national unity, adapting elements from the pre-independence Pasar Gambir model. These events drew large crowds, underscoring public enthusiasm for economic and cultural revival. The Pekan Raya Indonesia ran for three consecutive years but was discontinued after 1955 due to logistical and organizational difficulties, as the focus shifted to establishing more stable, permanent trade promotion mechanisms. The 1955 edition notably featured prominent international participation, including from the , marking a brief high point before the hiatus.

Growth at Medan Merdeka Selatan

The Jakarta Fair, officially inaugurated as Pekan Raya Jakarta on June 5, 1968, by President at the Medan Merdeka Selatan site near the , served as a key initiative of the New Order regime to foster and reinforce national unity amid post-1965 stabilization efforts. From 1968 to 1991, the fair operated annually at this central location, expanding significantly in scale to accommodate thousands of stalls showcasing domestic products and attracting millions of visitors, with attendance rising from 1.4 million in the inaugural year and increasing significantly in subsequent years to millions annually. This growth reflected the event's institutionalization as a staple of Jakarta's calendar, briefly referencing its roots in the 1950s Pekan Raya Indonesia initiatives to promote recovery. Key developments during this period included the introduction of themed zones dedicated to Indonesia's provinces, enabling regional exhibitors to highlight local crafts, agriculture, and industries as a means of promoting inter-provincial cohesion under the New Order's development ideology. International participation also emerged, with foreign pavilions from countries like and the displaying goods and technologies, broadening the fair's scope beyond national borders. Furthermore, the event became integrated with Jakarta Anniversary celebrations around June 22, aligning its timing to amplify civic festivities and cultural displays. By the late 1980s, however, the fair's expansion strained the 7-hectare Medan Merdeka Selatan venue, exacerbating traffic congestion in and prompting discussions on relocation to accommodate larger crowds and exhibitors.

Relocation and Modernization at Kemayoran

Due to increasing overcrowding at its previous location in the Medan Merdeka Selatan area, the Jakarta Fair was relocated in 1992 to the (JIExpo) in Kemayoran, a former site spanning 44 hectares that provided ample space for expansion. This move marked a pivotal modernization phase, transforming the event into a larger-scale international with enhanced facilities for and . In the subsequent decades, JIExpo underwent significant upgrades, including the of Hall D in 2008, a pillar-less hall (B3-C3) covering 10,000 square meters in 2015, and the JIExpo Convention Centre in 2018, which spans 41,300 square meters and supports larger crowds and diverse activities. These developments allowed the fair to accommodate growing participation, with corporate sponsorships from companies like PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur Tbk and PT Sinar Sosro becoming integral to its operations by the . The fair demonstrated resilience amid economic challenges, continuing annually through the and while introducing operational improvements such as digital ticketing via official websites starting around the early . The led to postponements in 2020 and 2021, but the event resumed in 2022 from June 9 to July 17, drawing 6.9 million visitors and signaling a return to pre-pandemic vibrancy. In 2023, held from June 14 to July 16, it attracted 6.3 million visitors, while the 2024 edition ran from June 12 to July 14 with 6.3 million attendees, underscoring the venue's upgraded capacity to handle massive footfall. The 2025 edition, themed “Jakarta Fair Kemayoran Supports a Progressive Through Sustainable Innovation and National Creativity,” ran from June 19 to July 13 and attracted 5.9 million visitors, featuring over 2,550 participating companies and generating Rp 7.3 trillion () in transactions.

Event Format and Activities

Exhibitions and Trade

The Jakarta Fair serves as a major marketplace for commercial promotions, featuring over 2,550 exhibitors operating around 1,550 stalls from across and select international participants. These stalls are organized into distinct sectors, including and culinary products, and apparel, and gadgets, and provincial specialties that highlight regional crafts and goods from various Indonesian provinces. This structure enables exhibitors to showcase a diverse array of merchandise, from everyday consumer items to specialized local innovations, fostering direct engagement between producers and buyers. The fair emphasizes both (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions, positioning it as a dynamic trading hub that supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Highlights include discount promotions on a wide range of products, deal negotiations facilitated through dedicated networking zones, and targeted SME support programs that provide subsidized booth access and assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM in Indonesian). These initiatives help SMEs expand their reach, with many leveraging the event for bulk orders, partnerships, and visibility to national distributors. Over the years, the exhibitions have evolved to incorporate international pavilions and themed zones focused on innovation and , attracting global participants alongside domestic ones. These developments reflect the fair's growing emphasis on high-tech sectors, with dedicated areas for like electric vehicles and digital solutions. Transaction volumes at the fair have shown significant scale, with a notable benchmark of Rp 3.7 recorded in 2011. The 2025 edition generated Rp 7.3 in transactions and attracted 5.9 million visitors, underscoring its ongoing economic vibrancy. More recently, trends indicate increasing integration of elements, such as digital payment options at stalls and online pre-order systems linked to exhibitor platforms, enhancing accessibility for both on-site and remote buyers. Entertainment tie-ins occasionally draw crowds to boost attendance at trade zones.

Entertainment and Cultural Features

The Jakarta Fair, held annually to commemorate Jakarta's anniversary, features a vibrant lineup of music concerts, comedy shows, and celebrity appearances that draw large crowds. In 2022, performers included prominent Indonesian artists such as The Rain, NDX AKA, Fourtwnty, and across the event's duration from June 9 to July 17. The 2023 edition showcased acts like , , Fiersa Besari, Virgoun, Padi, and , emphasizing a mix of , and traditional influences. For , the schedule highlighted bands and soloists including , Last Child, Fourtwnty, NDX AKA, and , with daily performances from June 12 to 30 that often incorporated anniversary-themed tributes to Jakarta's cultural heritage. The 2025 edition continued this tradition, featuring performers such as , , The Adams, NDX AKA, , and others from June 19 to July 13. Amusement rides and family-oriented attractions form a key recreational draw, with mini amusement parks offering thrill rides, water-based activities, and suitable for all ages. Recent fairs have included child-friendly zones with interactive games and displays to cap evening events, fostering a festive atmosphere amid the trade booths. Art installations, such as outdoor cultural exhibits, further enhance the visual appeal, providing photo opportunities and educational insights into Indonesian artistry. Food festivals at the fair highlight regional Indonesian dishes, creating dedicated culinary zones that celebrate the nation's diversity through offerings like Betawi specialties ( and selendang mayang) alongside international cuisines. These zones often integrate with cultural parades featuring traditional dances, such as Betawi kicir-kicir performances, marching bands, mascots, and ondel-ondel puppet displays, which parade through the grounds to showcase Indonesia's ethnic variety. Post-pandemic iterations have incorporated modern technologies, including virtual reality-like Digital Xperience tours for immersive explorations of Jakarta's and attractions, alongside options for remote audiences to access concerts and parades. These features, evident in the 2023 and events, blend traditional festivities with digital accessibility to broaden participation.

Schedule and Venues

Annual Timing and Duration

The Jakarta Fair, also known as Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ), is held annually from mid-June to mid-July, aligning with the celebration of 's Anniversary on June 22. This timing positions the event as a key component of the city's birthday festivities, drawing participants and visitors to commemorate the capital's founding. The fair typically spans 25 to 30 days, though the exact duration varies based on organizational decisions. For instance, the 2022 edition ran for 39 days from June 9 to July 17, marking a return after a two-year suspension due to the . In 2023, it lasted 33 days from June 14 to July 16, while the 2024 event covered another 33 days from June 12 to July 14. The 2025 fair was shorter at 25 days, from June 19 to July 13. These variations in length reflect adjustments to accommodate public holidays, seasonal weather patterns during Jakarta's dry period, and efforts to aid post-COVID recovery by extending the event to capture higher weekend attendance. The longer 2022 duration, for example, allowed for extended operations following the pandemic-induced hiatus to rebuild visitor momentum. As Southeast Asia's longest-running multi-product exhibition, the Jakarta Fair occupies a fixed spot in Indonesia's annual event calendar, fostering trade and cultural exchange over its multi-week run.

Historical and Current Locations

The Jakarta Fair traces its origins to the colonial-era Gambir Fair, held annually at Koningsplein (now Lapangan Banteng or Taman Lapangan Banteng) in Batavia from 1921 to 1942, where it served as a major commercial and entertainment event drawing around 310,000 visitors in 1936 alone. In the early post-independence period, precursor events like the Pekan Raya Indonesia were organized along in the 1950s, including the 1954 edition that showcased industrial and trade exhibits to promote national economic growth. From 1968 to 1991, the fair—then known as Pekan Raya Jakarta—was hosted at Medan Merdeka Selatan near the (Monas) in , accommodating growing crowds but facing increasing overcrowding that limited expansion. Due to these space constraints, the event relocated in 1992 to the (JIExpo) in Kemayoran, which has served as its permanent venue since, spanning approximately 44 hectares with multiple exhibition halls including Halls A through E and the Gambir Expo. The current JIExpo site enhances accessibility through integration with Jakarta's , including the MRT North-South Line operational since December 2019, allowing visitors to transfer via Transjakarta buses from stations like Bundaran HI to reach gates efficiently. Its location in provides proximity to the city center, while the venue's capacity supports over 5 million attendees annually, as evidenced by 5.9 million visitors in 2025 and 6.3 million in 2024. During high-demand years, the fair expands into outdoor areas exceeding 50,000 square meters for additional booths and activities, ensuring scalability without temporary relocations.

Impact and Legacy

Economic Contributions

The Jakarta Fair has generated substantial transaction volumes over the years, serving as a key indicator of its economic scale. In , the event recorded Rp 3.7 in transactions with over 4 million visitors. By 2019, prior to the , transactions reached Rp 7.5 , attracting 6.8 million visitors. In recent editions, the fair maintained strong performance: 2023 saw Rp 7.3 in transactions and 6.3 million visitors; 2024 achieved Rp 7.5 with 6.3 million visitors; and 2025 recorded Rp 7.3 alongside 5.9 million visitors. Beyond direct transactions, the fair drives broader economic effects, including temporary job creation estimated in the tens of thousands across exhibitor support, , and event operations. It boosts by drawing crowds that stimulate spending on accommodations, transportation, and local services, contributing to indirect economic activity in . The event also fosters small and medium enterprise (SME) growth by providing exposure to millions of visitors, enabling product launches and market expansion for over 2,500 participating companies annually. Government revenue benefits from ticket sales, booth fees, and sponsorships, supporting public infrastructure and costs. During the event period, these activities contribute to Jakarta's GDP, aligning with the city's overall economic expansion of 4.95% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2025. Post-COVID recovery has been robust, with transactions rebounding to pre-pandemic levels by at over Rp 7.3 trillion, reflecting sustained public engagement and economic resilience despite global disruptions. This recovery underscores the fair's role as a driver of fiscal momentum in the local and national economies.

Cultural Significance

The Jakarta Fair plays a pivotal role in promoting Indonesian unity by showcasing provincial pavilions and multicultural events that highlight the nation's diverse ethnic groups, languages, and customs, thereby reinforcing the national motto "" (). Since its revival in 1968 as a symbol of post-independence national pride, the fair has served as a platform for regional artisans, performers, and communities to converge, fostering a sense of shared identity amid Indonesia's archipelago-wide diversity. This tradition traces back briefly to the colonial-era Pasar Gambir and the early independence period, evolving into a modern emblem of cultural cohesion. On the global stage, the Jakarta Fair has influenced communities, particularly inspiring the Tong Tong Fair (formerly ) in , , since the 1970s, which adapts the model to celebrate Indo-European heritage for Indonesian expatriates. This adaptation underscores the fair's exportable framework for preserving cultural ties abroad, blending trade, entertainment, and traditions to maintain connections to the homeland. Socially, the event acts as a vital venue for public discourse and youth engagement, drawing millions of attendees—especially younger generations through interactive exhibits and performances—that encourage intergenerational dialogue on national values. It also aids in preserving traditions against the backdrop of rapid urbanization in , by featuring live demonstrations of regional crafts, dances, and cuisines that might otherwise fade in city life. In the digital era, the Jakarta Fair extends its cultural reach via platforms, where organizers share highlights, virtual tours, and to engage a broader audience beyond physical visitors, amplifying Indonesia's multicultural narrative globally.

References

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