DKI DPRD Geruduk Traders: KTR Raperda Makes Life More Difficult

A number of traders visited the DKI DPRD Building on Jalan Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, Tuesday 7 October 2025 (Diah Ayu/VOI)

JAKARTA - A number of traders visited the DKI DPRD Building on Jalan Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, to express disappointment over the discussion of the Draft Non-Smoking Regional Regulation (Raperda KTR).

They assessed that a number of articles in the draft were burdensome and had the potential to turn off the livelihoods of the small people.

Yono, one of the traders in the Pasar Minggu area, admitted that he objected to the plan to implement a zoning ban on the sale of cigarettes within a 200 meter radius of schools and the expansion of the area without smoking to wartegs, grocery stores, and traditional markets.

"Oh, now it's getting more difficult. Selling cigarettes really helps with other merchandise. If it's prohibited, it's over," said Yono, Tuesday, October 7.

Similarly, Andi, a trader from Tanjung Priok, said he was worried that the regulation would continue to apply. According to him, people's purchasing power has decreased, while traders still have to face the increasingly complicated licensing requirements.

"If it gets more and more complicated by this rule, the daily needs will be more difficult to fulfill," he said.

Chairman of the Indonesian Street Vendors Association (APKLI) Ali Mahsun emphasized that this action was a continuation of the declaration of traders' rejection of the Raperda KTR a few weeks ago. He assessed that the preparation process seemed rushed and did not consider the economic conditions of small traders.

"We ask the DPRD to be more sensitive. The income we get today to live tomorrow. Do not let this rule suppress the economy of the small people," said Ali.

Ali also reminded the DPRD not to rashly set policies that actually erode small businesses that are the backbone of the capital's economy.

The action of traders was received by the Deputy Chairperson of the Regional Regulation Formation Agency (Bapemperda) of the DKI Jakarta DPRD, Jhonny Simanjuntak, from the PDI-P faction. He ensured that input from traders would be an important consideration in the finalization stage of the Raperda KTR.

"We understand that the economic conditions in the field are difficult. We will consider the voices of small traders, MSMEs, and stalls to find a win-win middle ground," said Jhonny.