JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com \u2013 University of Indonesia (UI) sociologist Ida\nRuwaida has argued that managing vendors in car-free day (CFD) areas\ncannot be achieved through enforcement alone. She stressed the need for\nan approach involving guidance and education for small vendors.<\/p>\n
This was stated by Ida when commenting on a viral video showing\nSatpol PP clearing bicycle ice cream vendors at the Hotel Indonesia\nRoundabout in Central Jakarta on Sunday, 24 May 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe primary role of Satpol PP is not just enforcement, but also\nextensive socialisation, including accompanying small vendors,\nespecially street vendors,\u201d Ida told Kompas.com on Wednesday, 27 May\n2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would not be difficult if there was guidance and empowerment for\nsmall vendors so they could trade in accordance with existing\nregulations,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She cited examples from other cities. \u201cIn Bangkok, vendors do not\ncause disruption, do not litter, and remain clean,\u201d Ida added.<\/p>\n
On the same occasion, Ida also addressed the negative perception of\nSatpol PP among some members of the public during street vendor\nclearance operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is undeniable that there is a power dynamic between government\nofficers and vendors or the general public,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn apology culture is positive, but some apologies are merely\nsymbolic to quell public anger,\u201d Ida noted.<\/p>\n
She stressed that a more important evaluation is changing the\non-ground approach of officers, which has been perceived as curative and\nrepressive.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor instance, on commuter trains (KRL) or the MRT, security officers\nare consistently present and their role is not just to reprimand or\nremind, but also to assist passengers in need. They even ask passengers\nto give up their seats for those with special needs,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Ida added that a repressive approach should be a last resort,\nparticularly when vendors repeatedly ignore warnings and continue to\nviolate regulations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis approach should only be used when individuals repeatedly ignore\nwarnings and continue to defy regulations,\u201d she added.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/sociologist-criticises-cfd-vendor-clearance-must-be-more-humane-1779893633", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }