Anies` Policy for Tanah Abang Violates Regulation: Expert

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan fulfilled his promise to revamp Tanah Abang area. The first step taken is closing down Jatibaru Street to facilitate street vendors. However, one day since it is of immediate effect, the policy received criticisms.

One of which came from a public policy expert Agus Pambagio. Agus stated that placing street vendors on the street clearly violated Law No.22/2009 on Traffic and Transportation. “The policy is absurd. If you want to sell goods, you do it in the market, not on the streets,” Agus saidon Saturday (23/12).

Article 28 paragraph 1 of the Law states that everyone is prohibited from committing acts of conduct that cause damage and/or disturbance to the function of street. Paragraph 2 states that everyone is prohibited from any acts that tamper the function of street apparatus.

Those who break this rule can be charged legally. This consequence is laid out in the same Law in Article 275 paragraph 1 stating that everyone causes disruption to the function of traffic lights, signs, pedestrian facilities and road users safety apparatus as referred to in Article 28 paragraph 2 is charged with at least one month imprisonment or a fine as much as Rp 250 thousand.

Agus urged Jakarta administration to review the policy since it only benefits vendors, while road users are harmed. “People can take this matter to court,” he said.

Tanah Abang revamp is one of campaign promises from Anis Baswedan – Sandiaga Uno in 2017 election. After winning the election, Anieswishes to fulfil his promise.

Anies Baswedan announced the concept of Tanah Abang revamp last Thursday. The first step is by closing down Jatibaru Raya Street located in front of Tanah Abang Station at 8 a.m.-6 p.m. every day. The street is dedicated for street vendors and Transjakarta bus.

M. ROSSENO AJI