Vendors forced out of Cikokol market

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