Disciplining sidewalk vendors<\/p>\n
From Warta Kota<\/p>\n
The measure taken against the illegal sidewalk vendors at
\nTaman Puring by Jakarta City Administration has provoked
\nconflicting views. As a citizen of Jakarta, I basically support
\nthe action as it is the responsibility of the local authorities
\nto put things in order.<\/p>\n
I have noticed that lately, particularly since the economic
\ncrisis hit the nation, public order in Jakarta has gone from bad
\nto worse. Look at Pasar Senen area, for instance. The pavement
\nstretching up to the left turn leading to Salemba is fully
\noccupied by sidewalk vendors. They even take up part of the road
\nand leave only one narrow corridor which is enough for a single
\nline of vehicles to pass through.<\/p>\n
In West Jakarta, again the same picture can be seen at the
\nCengkareng crossing. Traffic congestion in this area has been
\ncommon place, particularly in the afternoon when dark comes.
\nTraffic jams are practically unavoidable.<\/p>\n
The authorities may be facing a dilemma in maintaining order
\nin Jakarta. Many small traders may suffer from the government's
\nmeasures. Nevertheless, the government should be consistent in
\nits policy to make Jakarta clean and orderly. Or, if unlawful
\nthings are tolerated, Jakarta will surely become chaotic.<\/p>\n
The problem now is whether the government will be able to
\ncontinuously take disciplinary measures against law offenders. If
\nall its efforts fail, the problem of continuously mushrooming
\nsidewalk vendors in Jakarta can never be solved. Firm measures
\nare necessary and are mainly to scare away would-be vendors.<\/p>\n
However, there is a bad side to this government action. As
\nmany people are aware of, some of the executors might resort to
\nshameful acts of helping themselves to some articles during the
\nraid for their personal benefit, or they may ask the owners
\nconcerned for money in return for their confiscated things. The
\nvendors and the public are cynical about such behavior. Truly,
\nthe problem of unruly sidewalk vendors can never be solved
\nwhenever the government apparatuses themselves still have to be
\ndisciplined.<\/p>\n
WARSONO K<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/disciplining-sidewalk-vendors-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }