Vendors pay levies to secure space

JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of vendors have filled the city's pavements in the hopes of securing valuable space before Idul Fitri.

While the city has yet to establish an official fee system, several vendors say they have already paid mayoralty people or others with the knowledge of the mayoralty. Vendors said they know the fees are not official and did not receive receipts.

Priatun, who sells dates in the Tanah Abang market area, said Monday he paid a mayoralty official Rp 300,000 for his two-square-meter space.

He said the price might only be effective for himself and four other traders.

"Arrangement for the other traders may be conducted by someone else; perhaps by the local mosque leader," Priatun said.

He said it is important that vendors know the right channels to secure a space through.

"Last year we made a mistake by trusting a hoodlum here with our money," Priatun said.

"We trusted he would pay for our kiosks at the mayoralty but we were swindled."

Saipul, also a date merchant in Tanah Abang, said officials are yet to register vendors.

"I hope the fee for the month will be Rp 20,000 like last year," he said. He said he did not receive a receipt last year for payment.

The vendors said they were willing to pay the fees, although illegal, as it ensured spaces were secure for the month.

"Hoodlums wouldn't dare ask us for money," Saipul said.

In the Senen market area yesterday, vendors also said they were yet to be officially registered. A hat seller said he hoped he could operate on the sidewalk during Ramadhan and even afterwards if allowed.

Lihardin Sipayung, spokesman for city market firm PD Pasar Jaya, said a decision whether to accommodate vendors and the prices charged would be reached two weeks before Idul Fitri. (anr)