Bogor traders reject relocation

BOGOR (JP): Some 300 traders selling a variety of goods in kiosks and on streets in Pasar Ramayana complex appealed to local councillors on Friday to help them secure the cancellation of a city administration order concerning their immediate relocation.

M. Ali Makki, coordinator of the traders, told the councillors that they refused to be moved from the site next Thursday.

They instead asked the authorities to allow them to remain at the site until after Idul Fitri (which marks the end of the Ramadhan fasting month), which this year falls late December.

According to Ali, the city administration has issued an order requesting the merchants leave the site by Aug. 10.

"We're ready to be relocated only after Lebaran. For that, we're ready to help the authorities secure the relocation process," Ali said.

Councillor Nur Zaman promised to arrange a meeting between the traders and related parties, such as municipality officials, the police and councillors, on Saturday to discuss the matter.

According to Soleh, another trader, they also questioned the decision of the authorities to relocate the traders to three different sites, namely Jambu Dua, Kembang Baru and Cimanggu markets, which are located close to each other.

"Our sales will drop since customers will obviously split between the three locations," he said. (21/bsr)