Relocation of sidewalk vendors

Relocation of sidewalk vendors

From Suara Karya

There has been an ever-growing number of sidewalk vendors at strategic places in Jakarta, which hampers traffic-flow, disturbs pedestrians and creates an "unsightly" view.

The areas where such stalls are mushrooming cover the bus terminals of Pulo Gadung and Blok M, the zones of Glodok, Pasar Baru and Senen, the railway station of Jatinegara, the Tanah Abang market, and the intersections of Cawang and Grogol.

However, we should not overlook the fact that these sellers have to earn a living, owing to widespread unemployment following the economic crisis, which has plagued the country since 1988. Therefore, banning vendor's from conducting business means depriving them of their livelihoods.

As a solution, the Jakarta administration should seek alternative places to relocate the sidewalk traders so that they will not operate on public roads and disturb the comfort of citizens. Once they are relocated, strict control should be exercised to prevent them from utilizing Jakarta's strategic spaces.

SURYANTO ABIMANYU Jakarta