goodmorningpapua.com – Jek Opide (42), a person of Jayapura Regency, has changed his professions as a fruit seller for two weeks. The Papua National Sports Week (PON) XX which will take place from October 2-15, 2021, is an opportunity to gain rupiah from the presence of athletes, officials and spectators.
The man, who was previously a fisherman, used the sidewalk across from the Papua Governor’s Office to sell durian, matoa and breadfruit. The semi-permanent wood material is pushed back, close to the wall, so that the sidewalk can still be accessed comfortably by pedestrians. Here the fruit is sold at a relatively affordable price.
As an illustration, a 50 thousand rupiah note is enough to buy one durian, 1 kilogram of matoa or one whole breadfruit.
The nominal price of the fruit is also determined by the foresight of Jek and the buyer in estimating the price. The fruits are arranged in a group arrangement, in accordane with the bulkhead of the stall using used mild steel roof tiles. Only a few stocks of durian lined up on the sidewalk. One of the typical fruits is matoa which is packed in three burlap sacks, while there are only three breadfruit left that afternoon.
At first glance, the durian flesh is thin, similar to the Medan durian type, but with a stronger aroma that pierces the nose. The combination of sweet, bitter and legit tastes so fused on the tongue. Matoa fruit has been less popular among people outside Papua, because of the characteristics of plants that tend to grow more fertile on Cenderawasih Earth.
The greenish red fruit, the size of a duku fruit, implies a sticky texture. The taste sensation is even more lively with a sweet tinge of longan and a slight aroma of durian. Jek does not trade alone, he is accompanied by Welmina (36) who also works as a fisherman. For them, switching to fruit trade is an option. Welmina said the profit from the selling price of the seasonal fruit reached 100 percent. For example, durian which is bought for Rp. 25 thousand per fruit from the market, is sold to buyers for Rp. 50 thousand.
The profit is relatively the same as the sale of marine fish, but it is an easier effort than that of catching fish.