The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
In response to worsening traffic congestion along Jl. Mangga Besar I, the West Jakarta administration plans to evict dozens of scrap iron vendors who operate in the area.
The head of the West Jakarta Public Order Agency, Abidin Mustofa, said Tuesday scrap iron vendors who had constructed stalls on the banks of the Ciliwung river would also be evicted.
"But we must work in cooperation with the city's small and medium enterprises agency to provide these traders with alternative places to run their businesses from," Abidin said.
Scrap iron vendors started to construct makeshift stalls on the banks of the Ciliwung river a few years ago. Their stalls are located near a line of permanent shops selling similar products that have been operating in the area since the 1980s.
The shops are located near a crowded intersection close to the Glodok electronic center.
Ade Tarsoma, an officer in the public complaints unit at the Tamansari Police subprecinct, said many motorists had complained about traffic congestion in the area, particularly during peak times.
"We usually deploy several policemen to direct the traffic at these times," he said.
Street vendor Pohak said his kiosk did not contribute to traffic jams in the area.
He said traffic congestion became worse along Jl. Mangga Besar I after the city administration implemented the three-in-one system in December 2003.
"Many drivers use the street to avoid Jl. Hayam Wuruk, which is a three-in-one road" he said.
However, Pohak said his small stall was located on the sidewalk, which made it difficult for pedestrians to pass.
"But the Mangga Besar subdistrict office allowed me to open my stall and I pay Rp 20,000 (approximately US$2.2) for security every month."
He said police had repeatedly warned him about being evicted, but no action had been taken.
"I am ready to move to a new location as long as the administration provides me with a proper place to run my business out of," he said. (ewd)
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