Melawai vendors to be relocated

JAKARTA: In a bid to clean up crowded Melawai market in Blok M, South Jakarta, and convert it into an integrated commercial compound, the city market operator plans to move the sidewalk vendors to the basement of the market building.

"The new location is still occupied by Ramayana department store, which is contracted until 2007. However, as most of the places are vacant, we are renegotiating the terms," head of Melawai market operator Abdullah was quoted as saying by the city administration's news portal beritajakarta.com on Wednesday.

Abdullah said his office had registered 368 vendors to occupy the new location which can accommodate up to 400.

The Blok M area, with its busy bus terminal, markets and several shopping malls, will be converted into a bonded zone of trade, business, tourism, entertainment and transportation centers. -- JP