As Idul Fitri nears, many people in the city are starting to shop for gifts for their beloved relatives and business partners.

It has been a tradition for Indonesians to send gift baskets during Idul Fitri or other festive holidays.

Gift shops on Jl. H. Samali in South Jakarta and in Cikini, Central Jakarta, are the two most popular places for gift basket hunters.

Proprietors in the area are ramping up to be ready for the onslaught of customers.

Fahira Fahmi Idris, a gift basket shop owner on Jl. H. Samali, said, though Idul Fitri was still three weeks away, her customers had started to place orders.

"The peak season is about 14 days before Idul Fitri. Most of my customers are private companies," Fahira told The Jakarta Post on Friday.

"I sell various baskets, including food and drinks, prayer mats, robes and furniture. The prices range from Rp 200,000 (US$21) to Rp 1 million," she said.

Fahira, who is also the head of Indonesian Gift Basket Entrepreneurs Association (APPI), predicted this year's business would be good, since the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) withdrew its ban on giving traditional gift baskets in the workplace.

In 2004, the KPK called on state officials to refrain from receiving and sending gifts and gift baskets in an effort to combat bribery.

The ban, however, drew a storm of protest from those who prepared the bundles of goodies.

They claimed their business slowed as many customers were afraid to disobey the rule.

The vendors, through APPI, appealed to the KPK to lift the ban which the commission did in March.

"I'm very optimistic sales will be higher than in 2007. Last year I sold about 7,500 baskets during Idul Fitri, but this year I'm sure to sell about 10,000," said Fahira.

Basket vendors in Cikini said the same.

"I sold more than 500 in 2007 and made more than Rp 20 million. This year, I'm sure I can earn more," said Yayang, who has been selling parcels for 25 years.

He said today's gift baskets were more varied.

"I used small rattan chairs to hold the food items, tea sets and kitchen utensils. The chair can be used later for toddlers to sit," he said.

When the Post visited the market Friday noon, many people were out shopping.

Putri, 19, came all the way from her home in Bekasi, West Java, to buy a gift basket for her plastic surgeon cum prominent singer, Tompi.

"I underwent ear surgery a couple weeks ago and Tompi was my surgeon. He was so nice and I want to give him a parcel as an expression of my gratitude," said Putri.

"I decided to give him a white porcelain tea set. I probably will add some snacks to it," she said, pointing out a parcel that cost Rp 175,000.

"I don't mind coming in from Bekasi to buy this basket because no shops there are offering the kind of baskets you find in Cikini," Putri added.

Another basket buyer, Ira, who owns a laundry business, bought nine different baskets for her clients.

"I make it a tradition to send gift baskets to my relatives or clients. It's just a way of tightening friendships and good relationships," said Ira, who came from Tangerang.