JAKARTA. Beverage firm Rekso Group has revealed that it is spending Rp 10 billion (US$800,000) to help rejuvenate the commercial section for street vendors in the National Monument (Monas) park in Central Jakarta.

Rekso Group president director Sukowati Sosrodjojo said Friday that his company had been involved in the program, dubbed Lenggang Jakarta, through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme for several months.

“[The funding] is quite large. It is around Rp 10 billion,” he said.

In addition to constructing new stalls, Sukowati said his company, the maker of popular drink Teh Botol Sosro, had also prepared 400 chairs, 20 electric fans and two main halls for visitors, while each stall had been equipped with a sink and kitchenware.

“The main hall is called Betawi House. The governor can also invite guests to eat here,” he said.

As many as 339 registered street vendors will have space in the newly renovated commercial area in the IRTI parking area of Monas park.

There is no rental fee for vendors, although there is a daily fee of Rp 4,000. The program will be launched at the end of January, having been previously scheduled for September.

Editor: Hendra Gunawan