Almost A Year Apart From Extortion Problems, Tangerang Old Market Kian Semrawut, Komplain Traders

Atmosphere in Pasar Lama Tangerang/ Photo: Jehan/VOI

TANGERANG Do you still remember the case of illegal levies (illegal levies) at the Tangerang Old Market which was carried out by a number of thugs against the traders at the location? The case surfaced in early January 2022. A number of traders at the market complained and reported on the practice of extortion in the area.

Based on previous reports, a number of street vendors (PKL) in the culinary area of Pasar Lama admitted that there were illegal levies (extortion). One of the traders with the initials C, admitted that when he started trading, he was always asked for Rp. 2,000 to Rp. 5,000 by parking attendants in the Pasar Lama area. He called the money used as money for cleaning and security funds.

In short, the Mayor of Tangerang, Arief R Wismansyah, who coordinated with the police to take action and clean up the Tangerang Old Market from a touch of thugs. The local municipal government also manages the area to be more orderly and neat.

Until finally the arrangement process was completed, the problem had not been resolved. A number of traders through the association reacted strongly to reject the structuring system made by PT TNG as the manager of the Tangerang Old Market, the BUMD belonging to Tangerang City.

For almost a year running, the problem at the TNG Old Market has not been resolved. Recently, January 18, 2023, the commotion occurred again in the market. Again, food traders protested against the management system of PT TNG.

The two days of VOI's arrival to that location, Wednesday, January 18 and Thursday, January 19, can be felt among traders. Indeed, the traders at that location already occupy the position that has been determined by the manager. However, they are still not calm in scaling sustenance at that location.

Last Wednesday, January 18, at around 16.34 WIB, five PT TNG officials were seen surrounded by local traders. They took issue with the arrangement of the location by arguing.

After a tough quarrel and negotiations, the traders finally chose to leave PT TNG officials. They try to reorganize their trade as before or reject the concept requested by PT TNG.

"Already... I've come back again like the beginning. Let him be," shouted the merchant at the Old Market, Wednesday, January 18.

PT TNG manager Rudi when met explained that the commotion was normal and there were no victims.

"Indeed, there was chaos earlier. But only small chaos. There are usually traders who do not accept the new arrangement," said Rudi at the location.

According to Rudi, this incident is a natural thing. Because, continued Rudy, every time there is a new policy there must be a conflict. Seeing the activities of the traders at that location, it seems that it is still not right. The location of the Tangerang Old Market is currently denser and narrower, that's because there are more and more traders in the area.

For pedestrian paths, it looks much smaller than before. It only uses half of the road.

Then, in the arrangement of traders in Pasar Lama, not all carts follow the PT TNG concept. Only two blocks follow the management concept.

Director of PT TNG, Edi Chandra admitted that until now not all traders have followed the PT TNG concept. However, he confirmed that if Friday, January 20, tomorrow, they must follow the rules.

"This is gradual, from the task force team, if we can't do it at the same time today, (so) we will tidy up these two blocks first, (most importantly-ed) the left side of the road is clear," said Edi when met at the location, Thursday, January 19.

"Starting tomorrow will be continued again, so we make sure this continues, this is gradual every day," he continued

Edi also ensured that in the arrangement, no traders were relocated. However, in its implementation it must be gradual, so that there are no quarrels or confusion in the arrangement.

"Here we first tidy up, without reducing and adding the existing ones, the important thing is that we function the road on the left. So the vehicle should not be hampered," he concluded.