Arrangement of Kramat Jati Vendors Emphasizes Orderliness and Economic Sustainability

A member of Commission B of the Jakarta City Council, M. Al Fatih, considers the reorganization of vendors in the Kramat Jati area a positive step that should have been taken long ago.

Fairness for all vendors

According to him, the reorganization is not merely about relocation. It also concerns public space orderliness, road user safety, and fairness for all vendors.

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"We must not view this issue solely from the perspective of relocating vendors, but also consider public space orderliness, road user safety, and fairness for all vendors," he said, Wednesday (9/2).

He added that vendors who set up stall on the roadway pose a potential danger to road users. This situation also disadvantages vendors who have consistently complied with the rules.

"Law-abiding vendors may actually feel disadvantaged by those who occupy more space to make their goods more visible and accessible," he added.

He also urged the Jakarta Provincial Government to implement clear, firm, and consistent regulations. However, he reminded that the reorganization process should not stop at simply moving the vendors, as relocation must ensure they have access to viable economic opportunities.

"We must avoid a scenario where the issue of public space orderliness is resolved, only for new problems to emerge in the form of declining incomes and the collapse of the vendors' businesses," he emphasized.

He also supports a six-month waiver of fees to serve as a transition period. In his view, this time could be used to ensure the new location has good accessibility and high foot traffic, and is backed by promotional efforts, allowing the vendors' existing customers to make the switch gradually.

"If the vendors' income declines following the relocation, the provincial government must have anticipatory measures in place. These could include improving access and connectivity to the site, providing information and promotional signage, activating the area, ensuring stall occupancy, and conducting periodic evaluations of sales revenue and visitor numbers," he explained.

Al Fatih also welcomes the plan to establish a traders' cooperative. If the cooperative can become part of the fish supply chain for the regional public hospital (RSUD), it will open up a new economic ecosystem for the traders.

However, he called for the process to be overseen to ensure it is transparent and non-discriminatory, and yields optimal benefits for the traders.

The arrangement of Kramat Jati is expected to be part of efforts to reorganize other areas facing similar issues, such as Gembrong and Penggilingan Markets.

He stated that successful reorganization goes beyond simply clearing the streets of vendors. More importantly, public spaces must be restored to functionality, road users must feel safe, and vendors must retain a sustainable livelihood.

"I fully support this arrangement. However, that support must be accompanied by proper oversight. We want Jakarta to be an orderly and safe city, yet one that simultaneously provides space for ordinary people to grow and earn a living," he emphasized.