JAKARTA, July 20, 2007 (AFP) - The Indonesian launch of a British designer bag set for Friday, July 20 was cancelled after chaotic scenes in Hong Kong earlier this month when the item went on sale there.

Customers purchasing the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" shopping totes in New York City - Photo : Mario Tama/AFP/Getty Images

"We cancelled the launch due to what happened in Hong Kong. It's not worth it any more if people are fighting over a 140 000 rupiah (15 dollar) bag," said Sendy, from the On Pedder store in upscale Plaza Indonesia.

Hong Kong shops refused to open their doors on July 6 when thousands of shoppers turned up in a bid to snare the creation of British designer Anya Hindmarch, which carries the slogan "I am not a plastic bag".

The bag became an overnight fashion sensation in London and New York earlier this year, selling on the eBay online auction website for many times its retail price.

On Pedder is the only Indonesian distributor of the bag but Sendy said the retailer was unsure whether it would put the bag on sale at a later date.

The accessory was originally conceived as an eco-friendly replacement for plastic shopping bags.