JAKARTA, INDONESIA (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — The National Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) has confirmed that reports accusing state-owned port operator Pelindo of discriminating against street vendors (PKL) near Tanjung Priok Port were false.
In a press statement, BP Taskin Deputy Head Naniek S. Deyang explained that the agency first received a complaint from the public on Wednesday (August 20, 2025). The complaint alleged that Pelindo unfairly targeted vendors during the clearance of stalls along Jalan Sindang Laut.
To verify the report, BP Taskin deployed a field team the following day, Thursday (August 21, 2025). The team consisted of Sondi Siswanto, Raja Indomora, and Fahria.
What Happened on the Ground
According to the investigation, the operation on Wednesday began at 9:30 a.m. with a briefing at the Roro Port yard. At 10:00 a.m., Pelindo officials met with vendors as scheduled.
During the meeting, some vendors demanded compensation for dismantled stalls. Pelindo declined the request but granted vendors two days, from August 20–21, to clear or dismantle their structures voluntarily.
Pelindo also offered a relocation site nearby to ensure vendors could continue their business.
“The new site is only about 15 meters away, still within the same area, and has enough space to accommodate the street vendors,” said Yandri Trisaputra, Executive General Manager of Pelindo Regional 2 Tanjung Priok.
Starting that day, however, street hawkers were no longer allowed to enter the port area. Stalls that were already abandoned were immediately demolished by security personnel, while occupied stalls were given additional time to be cleared.
Complaint Proven False
BP Taskin’s review concluded that the public complaint did not match the facts on the ground. The eviction process had been carried out according to legal procedures, backed by three prior warning letters since 2024 and a formal eviction notice issued on August 19, 2025.
“The allegation was a hoax. The clearance was done properly, in coordination with law enforcement, and vendors were given time to manage their stalls,” said Sondi Siswanto, BP Taskin’s lead field officer.
BP Taskin also noted unusual patterns: instead of decreasing, the number of vendors appeared to rise each time a warning letter was sent. Officials suspect the complaint came from individuals who profit from collecting informal “security fees” from the vendors and feared losing income if the relocation proceeded.
“These actors likely felt threatened by the relocation. That’s why we can firmly state that the discrimination report against Pelindo is false,” Sondi added.
Authorities Involved
The operation was conducted jointly with several agencies, including Pelindo Regional 2 Tanjung Priok, PT Indonesia Kendaraan Terminal Tbk (IKT), Kalibaru Police, the Navy’s Military Police (POMAL), the Tanjung Priok Port Authority (KSOP), and local civil service police (Satpol PP).
From Pelindo, Yandri Trisaputra, along with officials Daus and Budi, attended the operation.
