Enforcement of Ice Cream Traders in Viral CFD, Satpol PP DKI Apologizes

JAKARTA - The incident of the crackdown on ice cream vendors in the Hari Bebas Kendaraan Bermotor (HBKB) or car free day (CFD) area on MH Thamrin Street, Central Jakarta, went viral on social media.

In the video, a number of Satpol PP officers were seen crowding around traders who carried goods on bicycles in the middle of the crowd.

Responding to the video that has attracted public attention, the Head of the DKI Jakarta Satpol PP, Satriadi Gunawan, apologized to the public.

"We, the DKI Jakarta Police Unit, apologize for the inconvenience and anxiety felt by the community," Satriadi said in his statement, Sunday, May 24.

In the circulating video, a number of officers were seen stopping an ice cream vendor on the main CFD lane of the HI roundabout area. The situation was a concern for residents who were exercising and walking at the location.

Satriadi admitted that the video became a public concern as well as an evaluation for his ranks in carrying out discipline in the field.

Satriadi emphasized that selling activities were not allowed on the main HBKB route. This rule was enforced to maintain order and public comfort during the CFD.

"We also convey to the community that based on the provisions of the implementation of the Motor Vehicle Free Day (HBKB), selling activities are not allowed along the main HBKB lanes in order to maintain the order, comfort, and safety of people who are active and exercising," said Satriadi.

However, Satriadi assessed that the approach of officers in the field must still prioritize the human side when carrying out discipline.

He ensured that the incident would be used as a material for internal evaluation so that similar discipline would not cause controversy in the community.

"This incident will be the subject of evaluation so that in the future all personnel can carry out their duties more wisely, professionally, and prioritize empathy to the community," he said.

"We thank the public for the criticism, suggestions, and attention given as a form of mutual concern for better public services," he said.