Sidewalk vendors

Sidewalk vendors

From Neraca

The Jakarta metropolitan administration has made every effort
into putting sidewalk vendors (popularly known as kaki lima), in
the Jakarta area, in order. All efforts have been fruitless. The
authorities may be successful in getting rid of a group of
sidewalk vendors in the morning, but unfortunately the same
unpleasant scene reappears by the afternoon.

Actually it is very easy for the administration to get rid of
the sidewalk vendors. The authorities have only taken action
against the vendors. What they should realize is that the
customers also share the blame. They should be prohibited from
buying anything from the sidewalk vendors. How can this idea be
put into action? Easy! They can introduce a regional regulation
to that effect and just refer to Traffic Law No 14/1992!

For the wording of the regulation I would suggest this: "Those
who buy anything at the road side, or from sidewalk vendors which
occupy a place less than five meters away from the edge of the
road, shall be fined Rp 10 million or sentenced to two years in
jail."

How can this regulation be implemented? A bonus should be
given to the staff member of the security and order agency who
can catch, and arrest, a buyer red-handed on the sidewalk area.
Fifty percent of the fine should go to the successful staff
member. This will serve as additional income for the staff
concerned. And a fine of Rp 5 million should be imposed on
sidewalk vendors who sell their goods in restricted areas. This
system will, hopefully, deter sidewalk vendors from violating the
regulations.

Now, where should the sidewalk vendors go to earn a living?
Actually, the Jakarta administration has provided a lot of
markets but many vendors are reluctant to use the markets because
of the lack of customers. However, since they have no choice,
they have to sell their merchandise in the markets. Likewise, the
customers must go the markets if they want to buy something, just
as they go to supermarkets to shop. How easy!

The administration should act now, or take present conditions
for granted ... till Doomsday arrives.

SAMUDRO UTOMO

Jakarta