BRUNEI SOLDIERS LIKE SOUVENIRS SOLD AT SHOPS
IN KOSTRAD COMPLEX IN CILODONG

The members of Brunei Darussalam's Army contingent to the 14th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) seemed eager to buy souvernirs sold at some kiosks and shops in the complex of the Infantry Di-vision I of the Indonesian National Army's Reserve and Strategic Command (Kostrad) in Cilodong, West Java.

"Soldiers from Brunei Darussalam frequently buy souvernirs like jackets and other military accessories at our shop," Lila, a shop-keeper at the Yeff Collection stand, said here Friday.
Lila further said soldiers from Brunei buy souvenirs not only in retail but also in great quantity, which are usually sent to their country directly.

Besides Brunei Darussalam, she said, soldiers from Malaysia and the Philippines also often buy souvernirs like jackets, hats and military uniforms at our kiosk.

Meanwhile, shopkeeper Yusuf at another shop selling special Indonesian souvernirs said servicemen from Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines also frequently visit his shop. "Chopsticks, ceramic-made ivory and masks are among souvenirs mostly demanded by the foreign soldiers," Yusuf said.

In the meantime, Dana Agustin who is a shopkeer at the Agung Trophy stand said Myanmarese soldiers often buy souvenirs at his shop.

"Myanmarese soldiers have bought many souvenirs like temples in miniature. They like the souvenir because, perhaps, temple is a place of worship for them," he said.

Some 500 shooters of the armies of the ten ASEAN member countries are now participating in the 14th ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet (AARM) being hosted by the Indonesian National Army since September 1 to 8, 2004, in Cilodong, West Java.