Jakarta played host to one of the biggest automotive spare parts and accessories shows in South-East Asia.
Called the “Otobursa Tumplek Blek Goes International”, the 13th installation of this annual event was held again at the Gelora Bung Karno East Plaza in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Organised by the Otomotif Group, a company consisting of various Indonesian automotive publications, the Otobursa was first organised back in the late 90s during the Asian financial crisis.
Back then it served as an event where car lovers could trade their parts for another in a barter exchange.
Today it is known as the most complete automotive market for visitors seeking all types of automotive spare parts and accessories at the most competitive prices.
Almost everything was available, from brand new Toyotas and Hondas to parts for Land Rovers and other classics cars and bikes, even the wheels of a Ferrari 360 Modena were spotted at one of the trade booths.
Each instalment of Otobursa has had a theme to it, and this year’s was “past, present and future.”
Committee chairman Abi Irawan explained that the “past” referred to all activities from their history, with many display zones that were hunting grounds for automotive collectors seeking vintage spare parts and accessories.
The “present” referrred to the stands selling current vehicle spare parts or accessories and the “future” showcased the many products that reflected the future of the automotive industry.
Otobursa also showcased other attractions like the Gajah Monster (the monster elephant), which is a custom built mini monster truck that, along with 10 other smaller trucks, ran amok in an enclosed area, running over and crushing eight cars lined up in an “attraction zone”.
Over 70,000 visitors attended this year’s May 12 and 13 Otobursa, making it one of the most successful events in the region.
Though the attraction is and always will be the cars, bike and spare parts, the real reason why Otobursa is such a success is that it is an event for everybody.
There are events for kids in the form of a “Traffic Garden”, designed to educate children on safety on the road, concerts for adults, great food, cheap parts, and for the guys, plenty of eye candy, some with wheels and some without.
With over US$2.3mil (RM7.2mil) worth of sales achieved at last year’s event, it’s only a matter of time before Otobursa becomes one of the most important automotive event this side of the world.