Bangkalan Government Buys Out Street Vendors' Stock to Welcome President Prabowo

The visit of Indonesia’s eighth President, Prabowo Subianto, to Bangkalan Regency proved a blessing for street vendors (PKL) in the Alun-alun Bangkalan area, as the Regency Government purchased their entire stock of food and beverages to distribute free of charge to residents.

Bangkalan Regent Lukman Hakim stated that the policy was adopted as a form of attention to the traders, who are temporarily prohibited from selling around the town square, particularly in the area designated for the presidential helicopter landing. “The primary consideration is security. When the helicopter lands, there is a risk that merchandise could be blown about and cause danger,” Lukman said in a written statement on Monday (22/6/2026).

President Prabowo is scheduled to arrive in Bangkalan on Tuesday after completing his visit agenda in Sampang Regency. He will travel from Sampang to Bangkalan by air and land in the Alun-alun Utara area. Upon arrival, the President is set to proceed to the Syaichona Moh. Cholil Islamic Institute campus to attend the closing ceremony of the National Alim Ulama Conference and the Nahdlatul Ulama Grand Conference.

Lukman explained that the reorganisation of the town square area was necessary to support the smooth running, orderliness, and security of the state event. Street vendors who usually trade around the helicopter landing point have been given a temporary day off and relocated. Nevertheless, the Bangkalan Regency Government ensured the traders were not neglected. Besides having their goods purchased by the organising committee, the vendors will also be placed along the route the President will take to the event venue.

“In this way, the community’s economic activity can continue despite the temporary adjustments during the President’s visit,” he clarified. He noted that the policy was positively received, as it is seen not only to maintain security and order but also to ensure that small traders continue to earn an income. “The Bangkalan Regency Government hopes that the series of President Prabowo’s visits to Bangkalan will proceed safely, smoothly, and orderly, and bring benefits to the community and small business operators in the region,” he concluded.