Vendors forced out of Cikokol market

TANGERANG: About 250 vendors at Cikokol traditional market argued with Tangerang Public Order Agency officials on Monday after they were forced to leave the market to make way for the construction of the Cikokol cloverleaf intersection.

"We couldn't accept the officials's efforts to force us to leave the market so suddenly. We will move as long as the administration relocates us," said the vendors' coordinator Memet.

The vendors had met the municipality secretary, Achmad Sudjai, on Jan. 26 to negotiate the relocation. Memet claimed that although no agreement had been arrived at the meeting, Achmad had promised nevertheless not to evict the vendors.

"Today, the officials, backed up by officials from the police and military, demolished our kiosks. Do they ever consider our financial losses?" Memet asked emotionally.

He further said that the vendors would file a lawsuit against the officials.

The agency's chief, Sabar Situmorang, said the market would be demolished soon to make way for the construction project.

"The construction work should be completed by May. Should the vendors insist on staying , the market will cause congestion along Jl. Jend. Sudirman and also hamper the construction work."

The administration has provided space for the vendors at the Tanah Tinggi market, also located on Jl. Sudirman.

Sixty officials from the public order agency -- along with 90 policemen, 30 military personnel and 80 officials from the City Sanitation Agency -- demolished the market, which mainly sells vegetables, using three bulldozers, leaving the vendors watching helplessly. -- JP