T

he Jakarta administration’s plan to allow street vendors aligned with the One District One Center of Entrepreneurship (OK OCE) program to set up shop in kiosks around revamped sidewalks of Jl. Sudirman and
Jl. MH Thamrin received a lukewarm response from street vendors.

Eko from Brebes, Central Java, who sells fried rice from his cart near Jl. Sudirman, said he did not think he could secure a place in one of the kiosks.

“I heard that the selection process would be tough. It would be nice if I could get a place there, but I’m fine with the way it is now,” said the 39-year-old, whose customers are mainly office workers looking for a quick bite during their break.

Eko said one of his main concerns with the relocation of street vendors was the loss of business.

“I’ve set up shop for a couple of years now, and I have returning customers already. I don’t mind being moved somewhere else if people keep coming and buying.”

That sentiment was echoed by Suci, who sells drinks and cigarettes from her stall near a high-rise building, saying she would set up shop anywhere if business was good.

“If I’m asked whether I want a kiosk along Jl. Sudirman, of course I want one. I guess the roads and sidewalk will be much nicer to look at, but does it guarantee more customers?”

The sidewalk revitalization process, expected to be finished before the upcoming 2018 Asian Games in August, will widen the current sidewalk as much as 10 meters.

Along with kiosks, the sidewalk will also be adorned with traditional batik motifs and have dedicated art spaces, complete with stages, benches and lighting.

Street vendors who want to apply for a spot in the kiosks are obliged to participate in the OK OCE program under the Jakarta Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Agency, which will curate the selection.

However, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan previously said the kiosks would be occupied with vendors whose wares are relevant to activity in the area, banning the selling of food and drinks along the roads.

Instead, food and drink vendors are to be relocated to areas nearby office buildings, a similar solution proposed by Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno in relocating street vendors in Melawai, South Jakarta.

Eko expressed his confusion over the administration’s plans, saying he did not see the difference if he was relocated to nearby office buildings.

“Most of the people who come here are already office workers, and I’d rather sell on the streets because passing pedestrians are potential customers.”

The Jakarta administration is already mired in controversy surrounding street vendors, with a group of angkot (public minivan) drivers threatening legal action against Anies over the closure of Jl. Jatibaru in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, to accommodate street vendors. (jlm)