Chaotic Sidewalk at Cikini Station Overrun by Illegal Parking, Street Vendors and Ojek Online

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The pavement at Cikini Station in Central Jakarta, which should be a safe space for pedestrians, is instead crowded with activities that hinder its primary function. Motorbikes ride along the pedestrian lanes, illegal parking, street vendors setting up stalls, and online motorcycle taxi drivers waiting for passengers all make the pavement denser. This condition is visible along the pavement of Jalan Pegangsaan Timur, specifically in the area around the entrance and exit of Cikini Station. Based on Kompas.com’s observations at the location on Thursday 5 March 2026, the pavement, about two metres wide, cannot be fully utilised by pedestrians. The usable walking space is cut into by motorbike parking, street vendor stalls, and riders using the pavement as an alternative route to avoid congestion on the road. As a result, pedestrians must share space with activities that should not occur on a pedestrian path. In some situations, pedestrians have to step onto the roadway because the pavement is blocked by vehicles and trading activities. A number of motorbike riders are seen easily mounting the pavement in the area. They use the pedestrian path to avoid traffic on the road. Some riders even travel against the direction on the pavement. This situation forces pedestrians to pause briefly or step aside to allow passing vehicles. In addition to moving vehicles, the pavement is also lined with motorbikes parked along it. These vehicles are parked along the pavement in front of a row of shops and approaching the stairs leading to Cikini Station. Yet there is a clear ‘P’ sign indicating prohibited parking in that location, but some riders seem to ignore it. The condition of the pavement filled with motorbike parking makes pedestrians walk in a zig-zag to pass between vehicles. It is not uncommon for them to have to descend to the roadway to continue their journey. In addition to motor vehicles, the pavement around Cikini Station is also filled with street vendors taking advantage of the area to sell. Several food and drink carts are lined up along the pavement. Vendors sell various snacks such as fried treats, cold drinks, and sachet coffee that are popular with train passengers and local residents. Rohayati (43), one of the drink sellers operating on the pavement, says she has been setting up her stall for about eight years. ‘I sell cendol and cold drinks, sometimes sweet iced tea and orange juice when business is busy,’ Rohayati told Kompas.com on Jalan Pegangsaan Timur pavement. ‘Many people get off the station here. They look for cold drinks or snacks after getting off the train,’ she said. She began selling in the area around 2018. Over many years selling there, Rohayati says she has been moved by officers several times during enforcement. ‘A few times. Usually asked to shift or dismantle the stall when there’s enforcement,’ she said. But after officers leave, vendors usually return to their original spots. ‘Yes, we only move briefly. Usually when officers are not around, we sell here again,’ she said. Rohayati also mentions daily levies described as cleanliness and security fees for those selling on the pavement. ‘There are people who collect cleanliness and security money. Usually around Rp 5,000 to Rp 10,000 per day,’ she said. Although she knows the pavement is intended for pedestrians, Rohayati says it is hard to find another location as busy with customers. ‘I know this is for pedestrians, but moving to another place doesn’t necessarily mean there will be customers. Here there are many passersby,’ she said. Another vendor, Asep Suryana (36), also uses pavement in the same area to sell fried snacks and warm drinks. He started selling there around 2021 after the Covid-19 pandemic. ‘I sell fried snacks like bakwan, stuffed tofu, and fried bananas. There is also sachet coffee and hot tea,’ he said. He notes that the pavement near the station is strategic for selling because many people pass, especially during the morning and late afternoon rush hours. ‘Many people passing by, especially in the morning and evening. A lot of them buy snacks before boarding the train or after getting off,’ he said. ‘Sometimes the Satpol PP officers come, we are told to tidy up or move,’ said Asep. When enforcement occurs, the traders typically move aside temporarily. But once it quietens, they return to their original spots. ‘Usually we move aside first; later, when it’s quiet, we sell again here,’ he said. Asep also mentions another daily levy described as a security fee of about Rp 10,000. ‘They say it is for security and cleanliness,’ he added. While realising the pavement has narrowed due to trading activities, he hopes the government can provide a dedicated location for street vendors.