Monas traders worry of conflict

Monas traders worry of conflict

JAKARTA (JP): About 200 street vendors recently relocated to
the southern periphery of Monas (the National Monument) in
Central Jakarta are worried about conflicts for space at the new
site.

They aired their fears at a meeting with Central Jakarta
government officials at Gelanggang Remaja stadium over the
weekend.

The traders said they saw evidence that conflict was likely
because new traders were streaming in to the new site.

"The administration should closely supervise us," a trader
told the meeting.

The 200 traders used to sell their merchandise at different
places around the monument complex. They were relocated last
Friday as part of the city government's efforts to beautify the
park.

Traders told the officials that business had been sluggish
during the first few days in the new location and the number of
traders was swelling every day. (pan)