TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Pedestrian Coalition (Koalisi Pejalan Kaki) coordinator Alfred Sitorus advised Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan to conform to the law in revamping the Sudirman-Thamrin sidewalk.

“The Jakarta administration has to make sure that the sidewalk revamp does not violate any existing rules,” said Alfred on Wednesday, March 7.

Alfred’s statement is a direct response to the city’s plan to add kiosks that are not included in the initial sidewalk construction technical rules.

Read: Anies Baswedan Bans Street Vendors from Sudirman-Thamrin Sidewalk

In the Sudirman-Thamrin sidewalk design introduction event at City Hall yesterday, Governor Anies Baswedan said that he would allow the establishment of kiosks that sell specific items such as newspapers, magazines, or Transjakarta bus cards. He specifically barred the kiosks from selling food and beverages.

Alfred argues that the existence of such kiosks on certain areas of the sidewalk would violate Law No. 2/2009 on traffic and vehicles that clearly prohibits sidewalks to be used as trading areas.

He asserted that the problem is not about the items that are sold in the kiosks, but more about an existing law that already regulates it. “[Jakarta administration] needs to be very careful not to clash with existing rules,” said Alfred.

Jakarta administration’s commitment to clear sidewalks from street vendors is also being questioned. Alfred said that the massive sidewalk construction initiated two years ago is now being occupied by street vendors.

Budiarti Utami Putri