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What would you rather do, sell socks or fireworks? Yono does both. During the major holidays, this 35-year-old father of five runs one of the biggest fireworks stalls in Glodok. When the revelry dies down, Yono gets back to business selling socks.

While Chinese New Year has come and gone, Yono’s stall is still open (at least for a few more weeks) for those fireworks lovers who can never get enough of things that go bang!

Where do all these fireworks come from?

They’re either from China or they’re made here locally. The ones from China are better because they produce fireworks that have more variety.

What are the best fireworks you’ve got?

This one, the 98-shot one [pointing to a big blue box]. It’s called Benteng Malaikat [Angel’s Fort]. It costs Rp 750,000 [$80]. The cheapest bunch of fireworks here are Rp 30,000.

What is the best time of year for your business?

On New Year’s Eve we worked until three in the morning. Usually we’re only open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. We’re also very crowded on Chinese New Year and Idul Fitri.

But don’t you go back to your village for Idul Fitri?

No, I stay here because it’s a good time to sell fireworks. I go back to my kampung after Chinese New Year. I’m from Surabaya, so once I get home I stay for a week, then I come back. By that time fireworks season is over and I go back to my other business.

What other business?

I sell socks when people are no longer looking for fireworks. People only look for fireworks during big holidays. Only a few people would shoot off fireworks on a normal day.

Which do you like better, socks or fireworks?

It depends. Selling fireworks is very profitable but it’s risky. Selling socks gives me more peace of mind and is not as tiring.

How is selling fireworks risky?

It is illegal, so the police come once in a while and I have to give them money — and sometimes they even ask for fireworks. Fireworks are heavy and we have to move this entire stall into the house before we close every evening. Also, we have to keep them safe from fire and water.

But this guy is sitting in front of your stall smoking.

He’s far enough away that it’s OK. But he wouldn’t dare come closer. I don’t allow anyone, even my customers, to smoke near my stall.

Don’t you smoke?

I don’t smoke. Surprised [laughs]? I used to smoke four packs a day, but one day I just stopped. It just happened naturally. I don’t know why.

When did you move to Jakarta?

I came to Jakarta in 1998. My parents started the fireworks business here and I just continued it.

Who buys the fireworks?

Local Indonesians and ethnic Chinese buy them. We also sell them in Surabaya and Bandung. Before the area was redeveloped by the government, we had many expatriates come here and you could find anything you wanted in this area. After the new streets were built, many vendors moved to other places. It’s a pity.

Where do you get the fireworks?

We just get them from our local suppliers. Whenever we’re out of stock, we just call them and they deliver new ones by car. We have many different brands: Meteor, Top, HSK, V88, JF.

Why do fireworks come in various forms and sizes?

Because that’s what makes fireworks fun. But they only started to come in various looks after 2003, when Gus Dur was president. Before that, there was only one brand of regular, boring fireworks.

Do you use fireworks yourself?

Yes! It’s my hobby. I usually shoot them off at midnight, just right here on the street.

Isn’t that a waste of money?

I don’t think it’s a waste of money. I have to know what each kind is like so when customers ask, I can answer their questions.

What’s the most a customer has spent on fireworks here?

Rp 5 million [smiles]. All the fireworks you see here, it’s a Rp 25 million investment.

Do you have wife?

I’ve only got one wife [laughs].

How about kids?

I’ve only got five kids.

ONLY five kids?

[Laughs] Yes. The sixth is on its way.