Disciplining sidewalk vendors

Disciplining sidewalk vendors

From Warta Kota

The measure taken against the illegal sidewalk vendors at Taman Puring by Jakarta City Administration has provoked conflicting views. As a citizen of Jakarta, I basically support the action as it is the responsibility of the local authorities to put things in order.

I have noticed that lately, particularly since the economic crisis hit the nation, public order in Jakarta has gone from bad to worse. Look at Pasar Senen area, for instance. The pavement stretching up to the left turn leading to Salemba is fully occupied by sidewalk vendors. They even take up part of the road and leave only one narrow corridor which is enough for a single line of vehicles to pass through.

In West Jakarta, again the same picture can be seen at the Cengkareng crossing. Traffic congestion in this area has been common place, particularly in the afternoon when dark comes. Traffic jams are practically unavoidable.

The authorities may be facing a dilemma in maintaining order in Jakarta. Many small traders may suffer from the government's measures. Nevertheless, the government should be consistent in its policy to make Jakarta clean and orderly. Or, if unlawful things are tolerated, Jakarta will surely become chaotic.

The problem now is whether the government will be able to continuously take disciplinary measures against law offenders. If all its efforts fail, the problem of continuously mushrooming sidewalk vendors in Jakarta can never be solved. Firm measures are necessary and are mainly to scare away would-be vendors.

However, there is a bad side to this government action. As many people are aware of, some of the executors might resort to shameful acts of helping themselves to some articles during the raid for their personal benefit, or they may ask the owners concerned for money in return for their confiscated things. The vendors and the public are cynical about such behavior. Truly, the problem of unruly sidewalk vendors can never be solved whenever the government apparatuses themselves still have to be disciplined.

WARSONO K

Jakarta