C. Jakarta vendors to be relocated

JAKARTA: The Central Jakarta Mayor, Petra Lumbun, said on Wednesday that his administration would relocate street vendors currently in the three main areas of Senen, Tanah Abang and the National Monument (Monas).

"We have to do this because street vendors display their merchandise on the sidewalk, causing bad traffic congestion. Local residents have complained that the areas have become rife with crime," he said, as quoted by BeritaJakarta.com.

In the Senen area, the mayoralty plans to relocate street vendors to a plot of land that has served as the Senen bus terminal. The terminal will be moved to Kemayoran Baru.

A total of 1,257 vendors in Kebon Jati will be relocated to Tanah Abang market on the third and fourth floors. The mayoralty will build a bridge connecting Jl. K.S. Tubun and Kebon Jati.

Petra said the mayoralty would better manage cafes in the Monas area that had been deserted by their regular visitors. He said he would also reorganize the vendors at the Pasar Baru area to improve its image as an international shopping destination.

Officials from districts and subdistricts will publicize the program to vendors before taking the action. -- JP