Sidewalk traders

Sidewalk traders

From Merdeka

There seems to be no solution in sight for the problem of sidewalk traders in Jakarta. Raids to bring order in an area help to alleviate the problem, but only temporarily, because soon vendors resume their trade in the prohibited areas.

The chaos in Tanah Abang is no different. The culprits are the sidewalk traders who disrupt motorists' right-of-way by displaying their wares on streets, causing notorious traffic jams in the area. The problem of sidewalk traders in this area will come to a head toward the Lebaran holiday. The Jakarta administration feels obliged to show some leniency toward traders whose popularly priced merchandise is much in demand.

The opportunity is a boon for profiteers who lease each square meter of land that is not theirs for tens or hundreds of thousand of rupiah. Once the unofficial deal is sealed the traders can sell their goods in tranquility. But then Lebaran passes, and the traders do not want to move out. They say they have paid for the plot and they enjoy protection.

As a Jakarta resident, I would like to make a number of proposals to the Jakarta administration concerning the handling of sidewalk traders. Fix the locations of sidewalk traders, at shopping, trading as well as office centers and markets. Order must be maintained at the locations. The facility must not be permanent. An umbrella or a tent would be adequate. The kind of trade must be determined.

For example, location A could be for food and drinks (in kiosks easily dismantled), location B for clothes and toys, etc.. Cleanliness, safety and amenity of the location must be maintained. Trade at these locations should be limited to the opening hours of the offices or shopping centers. In the evening other traders should be given the chance to ply their trade. There should be no problem, because the places would not be permanent. The umbrellas and tents would be easy to dismantle.

There are many permanent constructions that have brick walls and asbestos or tiled roofs which are occupied by sidewalk traders, even though the facility initially consisted of boards and awning. The result is that when the location is no longer needed for trading, its inhabitants are reluctant to move out.

Sidewalk traders would benefit from such a regulation, as would the Jakarta administration. From the aspect of tourism the scenery would be enhanced. People would no longer be left with a chaotic and dirty impression.

B. AGUSTINUS

Jakarta