Sidewalk vendors get stiff fines

BOGOR: Dozens of sidewalk vendors around Suryakencana market were apprehended on Wednesday and tried on the spot for violating Bylaw No. 1/1990 on public order.

Public order officer Bugi Setianto said the 23 vendors were ordered to pay fines ranging from Rp 20,000 (US$2.4) to Rp 50,000.

"Usually after the fines, the vendors will be gone for a while. If we find them here again, we will take away their merchandise," he said.

Imam, who sells cassava fritters on Jl. Suryakencana, said he was used to the raids and the trials, saying that he would just open business as usual at the same place in couple days.

"This is the only job I can do. I don't want to be branded a criminal just for trying to make a living. I know the profit is small, but the business is certain," he said. -- JP