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