Pemda's actions in Bandung

Pemda's actions in Bandung

My Sundanese family never received any kind of assistance from
the regional authority (Pemda) in Bandung, and neither in
Tasikmalaya, West Java. Since we arrived in Belgium in January
2000, Pemda removed my in-laws from their kiosk on Jl. Soekarno-
Hatta in front of Makro. They and many other street vendors along
that main road were simply removed without any compensation.
Since July, they have slowly built up a business near Jl. Lingkar
Selatan in Bandung near Buah Batu. They sell waffles and fries
among other dishes. My wife called her parents one morning and my
mother-in-law explained that Pemda people had come and closed
their place down. Their place was in the basement with many other
vendors, and on the second floor, the owner of the house sold
drinks. They are good Muslims, but were embarrassed by the
decision of the Bandung Mayor to close all eating places during
the fasting month of Ramadhan under pressure of certain religious
organizations. Certainly, these religious leaders have food on
their table every day.

Street vendors such as my in-laws would like to see a better
sense of humanity from their mayor and Pemda civil servants.
Their place apparently was closed under a fake excuse made by
Pemda; you can always find a reason in Indonesia if you are a
smart civil servant in getting money from the owners. My wife and
I just hope the official-in-charge at Pemda for that matter can
help solve this problem soon and fast.

YVAN MAGAIN

Tubize, Belgium