DKI Satpol PP Bans Street Library, Considered Disturbing Public Interests

Illustration. Street libraries that are not held every day free of charge for people who want to read at Tanjungpinang Boenda Park. (Between-Aji Anugraha)

JAKARTA - Head of the DKI Jakarta Civil Service Police Unit (Kasatpol PP) Satriadi Gunawan spoke about the viral inspection of the Street Library in Literacy Park, Blok M, South Jakarta.

Street libraries are generally not held every day with free activities to read in public facilities such as parks and sidewalks. According to Satriadi, although with good intentions and purposes, it still violates the rules.

"In addition to violating the Regional Regulation on Public Order, it can potentially cause crowds and disrupt the interests of other communities," said Satriadi in Jakarta, Friday, July 18, quoted by Antara.

Furthermore, Satriadi said the Street Library with social media accounts @perpusjalanan.jkt can be categorized as a community or community library because it is organized by the community.

He is also able to register with the Library Service according to the Governor's Regulation (Pergub) so that he can have a legal permit.

"In Blok M Literacy Park, public library facilities have also been provided for by the provincial government," said Satriadi.

Satriadi said the Satpol PP carried out humane supervision and appeals regarding the rules of public order for parties who used public facilities and public spaces that were not in accordance with their designation.

Previously, a viral video on social media showed Satpol PP officers visiting the street library in Taman Literasi Blok M, South Jakarta.

In the video, the officer admits that he only conducts an examination because the activity is busy with the public.

He did not intend to dissolve the reading activity, but instead wanted to confirm the existence of a clear person in charge.

However, this video invites pros and cons of the public. Many have questioned the priority of controlling, highlighting the problem of illegal parking, to street vendors in Blok M who are considered disturbing but not being prosecuted by the Satpol PP.