The Jakarta Fair, commonly known as Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ), is an annual exhibition acclaimed as the largest, most renowned, and most comprehensive in Southeast Asia. This year's event, the Jakarta Fair Kemayoran 2024, was officially inaugurated on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo.
In his opening address, President Joko Widodo emphasized that the Jakarta Fair serves as a venue for both entertainment and affordable shopping. Additionally, it boasts a variety of culinary options, carnival parades, concerts, and amusement rides.
"Jakarta Fair is a highly anticipated event for the people of Jakarta, Jabodetabek, and Indonesia. At the Jakarta Fair, people can enjoy entertainment and shop at affordable prices. Whether it's food, amusement rides, parades, or concerts—this is what makes Jakarta Fair so attractive," President Joko Widodo remarked.
The President highlighted that the 2024 Jakarta Fair, or Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ), marks the 55th occurrence since its inception in 1968 at the National Monument (Monas) area. This annual event has become a cherished tradition, and in 2023, the Jakarta Fair attracted over 6 million visitors.
"Jakarta Fair Kemayoran has been held for the 55th time, meaning it has become a regular event year after year. Last year (2023), it was visited by more than 6 million people, an extraordinary achievement," President Jokowi added.
The exhibition, running for about a month from June 12 to July 14, 2024, is eagerly awaited by the community. But what is the history behind the Jakarta Fair or Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ)?
According to the official website jakartafair.id, the exhibition was first initiated by Haji Syamsudin Mangan, Chairman of the Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), in 1968. The idea was to consolidate various night markets scattered throughout Jakarta into a large exhibition showcasing domestic products. At that time, Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ) set a record as the longest-running exhibition, lasting 71 days.
Initially held at the National Monument (Monas), Pekan Raya Jakarta (PRJ) later moved to Kemayoran, Jakarta, and was renamed Jakarta Fair. Beyond being a gathering place for Jakarta's night markets, Jakarta Fair has evolved significantly, becoming a hub for recreation, entertainment, and culinary destinations in Jakarta. Furthermore, Jakarta Fair also showcases products from various industrial sectors, including services, automotive, clothing, cosmetics, household items, sports, and much more.
With the theme "Jakarta Fair Supporting National Economic Growth in Indonesia" and the sub-theme "Let's All Enthusiastically Promote Industrialization, Innovation, and Successful Trade Nationally and Internationally," Jakarta Fair Kemayoran 2024 continues to support and promote the advancement of domestic products.
