We hope the government will provide a relocation place for us

The officers of Tanjung Priok Sub-District Satpol PP tore down 75 illegal stalls along Jalan Sunter Permai and Jalan Bisma Raya, Papanggo, Tanjung Priok, Monday (9/1). Those were demolished due to the owners violated the bylaw No. 7/2008 on Public Order and make roads look dirty.

The demolishment is a continuation of previous activity conducted on Sunday (8/31) yesterday. At that time, about 35 street vendors had demolished their own stall. While for those who are still ignore the demolishment warrant (SPB) today, the officers had to demolish their stalls forcibly. Among the stalls is used as a business place, like food stall, cigarette, plant and tire repair. They have been in existence since about ten years. Yet its existence keeps rampant and stand on the green line and the drains, thus officers demolish them.

Tanjung Priok Sub-District Satpol PP Head, M Syarif admitted prior to demolishment, his side did a persuasive effort first against tens of vendors and then sent warning letter to them on Friday (30/29). But they ignored it, thus Satpol PP officers decided to demolish the stalls. 

"We had to do demolishment for those who have ignored our warning letter. We do this in accordance with procedure and warning letter," he asserted.

Vice Head of Tanjung Priok Sub-District, Maskur uttered from 75 stalls, 50 of them are located on Jalan Sunter Permai Raya, starting from BMW Park until Jalan Danau Sunter Utara. While 25 other stalls are on Jalan Bisma Raya.

"We deploy 160 joint personnel of Satpol PP, police, army, and janitors to demolish such stalls. It is targeted to be done this afternoon," he told.

Iwan, (45), an owner of food stall admitted he was only resigned when officers tried to demolish his building. But he hopes the government could provide a new place for his business. "We hope the government will provide a relocation place for us," he hoped.