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ANYUMAS: Around 400 hawkers protested the decision of railway company PT KAI to ban them from operating inside trains, saying that the decision would foster unemployment.

“We are strongly protesting the decision because it is akin to them not caring about employment. We strive to earn a living for our families. We never caused any trouble with PT KAI,” Topan, the spokesman of the Kroya Station Hawkers’ Association (ASOKA), told the media on Tuesday.

He warned that PT KAI’s decision was unpopular because it did not heed the welfare of the hawkers.

PT KAI issued a regulation in October banning street vendors from operating inside coaches, including those in economy class, in the hope of increasing the comfort of passengers.

The hawkers have filed their complaints to the legislative council as well as turning to the religious organization Nahdatul Ulama for support.

Board leaders of NU Cilacap extended their support and suggested they bring the case to Jakarta.

Suminem, a hawker, said the ban was akin to banishing the livelihoods of hawkers. “Whatever happens, we will sell inside the coaches, because there we can earn a living. Hopefully, government officials will care for how we are suffering,” she said.