Joint personnel from Satpol PP, army, and the police tore down 80 stalls alongside Asam Reges Market, Jalan Taman Sari Raya, West Jakarta, Monday (10/27).

The existence of those stalls was very disturbing because they make Jalan Taman Sari Raya looked slum. Moreover, the officers were also having difficulties to clean up the water channel

Head of Taman Sari Sub-District Satpol PP, Purnama, said the stalls have violated Bylaw No. 8/2007 on Public Order because were built in public space.

“The existence of those stalls was very disturbing because they make Jalan Taman Sari Raya looked slum. Moreover, the officers were also having difficulties to clean up the water channel. That’s why we had to demolish all of the stalls,” he stated.

According to Purnama, two weeks before the demolition is carried out his side had conducted socialization to the stall owners and asked them to demolish their buildings themselves.

“Most of the stalls were used as vehicle’s spare parts stall, lathe workshop, food stall, beverage stall, et cetera,” he told.

Head of Tamansari Sub-District, Paris Limbong, uttered that the stall owners have agreed to vacate their stalls. In accordance to the agreement with some of spare parts vendors, they are willing to be relocated into Asam Reges Market.

Johan (35), a lathe workshop owner, admitted he has no choice and could only resign when the officers demolished his stall. Earlier, he was informed about the demolition via circular letter.

“I am indeed guilty for selling above water channel. There was information, but I hope the government would give us stalls so we could sell again,” he expressed.