BANYUWANGI – August is still four days away. A number of traders of red and white flags and knick-knacks for the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, have started to appear. They are not only from Banyuwangi, but also many from out of town.
One of the flag sellers David Sumardi, 25, from the Village/District of Semarang, Garut Regency, West Java, who opened a stall on the edge of the main road in Yosowinangun Hamlet, Jajag Village, Gambiran District, he admitted that he had been in Banyuwangi for one week selling flags.
“I have come to Banyuwangi three times, comes every mid-July,” he said while stating that he came with a group.
Not only selling red and white flags of various sizes, David also sells various knick-knacks such as banners and independence-themed T-shirts. On the side of the sidewalk, he spread his wares by bringing 70 scores of various flags brought from Bandung, West Java. "This stuff boss in Bandung, if not finished can be returned," he said.
Various flags are offered, have varying prices starting at Rp 20 thousand for the klebet type flag that is usually placed on the car, up to Rp 400 thousand for the type of background.
"A three-meter background costs Rp 35 thousand, but there are those above Rp 100 thousand," he said.
For buyers in Banyuwangi, it's clear, the most sought after are the banners. Many of the buyers came from village officials and sub-district officials. "Flags are the best sellers,He said.
David said that in a day he could sell three flags. That's because people's interest is still small. Usually, Busy buyers when entering August. "In August there are a lot of buyers, today there are four buyers, Alhamdulillah, can buy food,"he said.
