Law breakers

The increasing number of traders in Pasar Anyar (New Market) and on Jl. Ahmad Yani in Tangerang as reported in Media Indonesia on June 16, 2000 is concrete evidence that the regional authorities are slow maintaining order (unintentionally or intentionally) so that determined action and strong political will be needed to solve the problem. Delayed measures will only cause unnecessary loss (sometimes loss of lives). Take, for example, the case of the raids against the VCD traders in downtown Glodok.

The raids triggered anger among the vendors who had been doing business in the area for quite some time with support from certain agents who collected fees from them.

We regret that there had been no firm measures from the authorities against law breakers. The latter usually constitute a small group at the beginning but later the group grows larger until it is difficult for the authorities to restore order. As we clearly notice in many places, pavements are used by the vendors to sell their goods which cause hindrances to traffic. Governors, mayors and district chiefs have changed many times but this disorderly situation remains.

We are now wondering when will the authorities take necessary measures to put things in order. If they are incapable of doing their jobs properly why not conduct a contest on how to sort out the city social problems such as disorderly sidewalk vendors, parking, arranging car documents etc. Or they should not hesitate to resign from their jobs and give more capable people the opportunity.

H. WISDARMANTO GS

Jakarta