Jakarta administration to raid street vendors in Tanah Abang

Public order officers will conduct another raid on street vendors in Tanah Abang, Central, after a previous raid was canceled following a clash with vendors.

Central Jakarta mayor Sylviana Murni said Wednesday street vendors were only allowed to do business from 4:30 to 10 p.m. every day.

“The raid aims to make the area more orderly and cleaner, especially with regard to traffic and trading goods distribution,” she said.

She said the raid was also aimed at seasonal beggars, who flock to the capital during the Ramadan fasting month.

Tanah Abang hosts a famous textile market in Central Jakarta said to be one of the largest markets in Southeast Asia.

Earlier this month, hundreds of street vendors clashed with public order officers during a raid by the latter on Jl. Mas Mansyur, Jatibunder and Kalijati.

The vendors, attempting to hang on to their carts and merchandise, attacked the officers with sticks and stones, prompting the public officers to call off the raid to avoid further confrontation. (dre)