Pamulang Subdistrict Head on Street Vendor Clearance: Being Strict Is Wrong, Being Too Lenient Is Also Wrong

TANGERANG SELATAN, KOMPAS.com – The removal of street vendor stalls in the Vila Pamulang area of South Tangerang remains a key concern for the Pamulang subdistrict government.

Pamulang subdistrict head Mamat said the approach prioritizes education and persuasion when handling vendor stalls in the area. The clearance is not done through immediate forced demolition.

"The important thing is, we can’t just come and tear down the stalls every time. We conduct education and take persuasive actions," Mamat said when contacted via WhatsApp on Friday (18/9/2026).

According to Mamat, the handling of street vendors at the local level needs to be balanced to avoid triggering tensions within the community.

"If we are too strict in that area, it’s wrong; if we’re too lenient, it’s also wrong. We have to be able to empathize with the vendors, so the approach needs to be gentle to help them understand," he added.

Vendors Request Relocation

Mamat said he has met with vendors around the location through the "Nyaba Kampung" program to offer understanding about public order regulations.

During the dialogue, the vendors reportedly understood the planned clearance but requested the government provide a new area where they are permitted to sell goods.

"They said, ‘Sir, we don't mind if the stalls are dismantled, but there must be an approved relocation place where we can trade.’ Most of their input was along those lines," Mamat said.

In response to these requests, the Pamulang subdistrict plans to forward the vendors’ relocation proposals to the South Tangerang City government leadership and related agencies.

"Legally, since they are violating regulations, demolition could proceed immediately, but this is also a matter of humanity. Therefore, we will convey the vendors' aspirations to the leadership," he explained.

Clearance Will Continue

Mamat emphasized that the handling of street vendors will continue to follow the applicable regulations. He cited tasks based on Law Number 23 of 2014 and Mayor Regulation Number 82.

These duties include coordinating public order and enforcing city regulations alongside the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) and relevant departments.

To follow up on the clearance process, the subdistrict will re-coordinate with local community unit leaders (RT and RW). This step aims to optimize education for residents and vendors.

"Providing education is not easy; it can't be accepted immediately and must be done gradually. We will summon the RT and RW leaders again to coordinate the next steps," Mamat concluded.

Vendors Fear Losing Livelihood

Earlier reports indicated that the planned clearance and arrangement of the riverbank area in Vila Pamulang, South Tangerang, sparked concern among dozens of small vendors.

The clearance is part of the South Tangerang City government's infrastructure development program for waterways, including building flood retaining walls and area management.

However, vendors worry that the clearance will impact their livelihoods as there is no certainty yet regarding compensation or relocation sites where they can sell.

A Kompas.com investigation at the site found that many vendors have relied on this area for their livelihood for years.

They hope the government will not only carry out clearance but also provide solutions such as affordable and legally permitted trading locations.