In concrete steps for city planning, Cirebon City Government dismantles street vendors’ buildings on the banks of the Sukalila River

Cirebon, Konntroversinews | The Cirebon City Government continues to make strides in efforts to organize the face of the city to make it more orderly, safe and comfortable for the entire community. One of the concrete steps taken is the arrangement of the areas on the banks of the Sukalila and Kalibaru Rivers, which have been filled with street vendor (PKL) buildings. All street vendor buildings in the area were dismantled as part of the area planning and to support the Sukalila River normalization program. In the future, pedestrians, fencing and parks will also be built in this area as public spaces.

The Mayor of Cirebon, Effendi Edo, led a morning rally in the courtyard of Cirebon City Hall which was followed by activities to control street vendors on the banks of the Sukalila River, Monday (15/12/2025). Enforcement is carried out in an orderly and conducive manner. This condition cannot be separated from the persuasive approach taken by the government through gradual outreach and appeals.

Since long ago, the Cirebon City Government has delivered the first to third warnings to traders. These efforts have borne fruit, with most of the street vendors dismantling their stalls independently before officers went to the field. Hundreds of joint personnel from the police, TNI, Satpol PP, Fire Department, BPBD, Linmas and Transportation Service were alerted to ensure activities ran safely and smoothly.

During the control process, a number of roads leading to the Sukalila and Kalibaru River areas were temporarily closed. The closure was carried out to support heavy equipment mobility and avoid traffic congestion. The government also ensures that residents’ activities are still served by regulating traffic flow around activity locations.

The Mayor expressed his appreciation to traders who have been cooperative and support government programs. He hopes that all buildings in the Sukaila and Kalibaru areas can be razed according to plan and the process will run smoothly.

“Thank God, traders can unload independently. Thank you for your cooperation,” said the mayor.

Furthermore, the mayor emphasized that the Cirebon City Government had not neglected the traders. He said that some street vendors had occupied new locations prepared by the government, one of which was in the Cirebon Wholesale Center (PGC) area.

“Indeed, at the beginning of the move it may still be quiet, but if there are people interested it will definitely be busy again. I pray that the fortunes of the traders in the new place will increase,” he said.

Head of the Cirebon City Department of Cooperatives, SMEs, Trade and Industry (DKUKMPP), Iing Daiman, explained that his party continues to open space for dialogue with traders in controlling and structuring this area.

“We received aspirations from flower traders in North Kalibaru. Of the 44 traders, the chairman and his representatives expressed their desire to relocate in an open place with a representative space,” he explained.

Iing added that the Cirebon City Government offered relocation in the Cirebon Wholesale Center (PGC) area, but some flower traders in Kalibaru asked for a location in an open area. According to Iing, the Cirebon City Government is offering a location behind the Harjamukti Terminal, technically it will be arranged through the chairman of the community association.

“We facilitate the location and transportation to the location. The traders here are already iconic, we are sure that customers will look for them, even if they are moved. Our job is to support, help with promotions and provide information regarding relocation so that the new area can become busy quickly,” said Iing.

Meanwhile, the Head of Cirebon City Satpol PP, Edi Siswoyo, explained the technical implementation of the control carried out in North and South Sukalila and North and South Kalibaru. “Today’s focus is on dismantling the remaining buildings and is targeted for completion today. After that, in the next two to three days, repairs and transportation of materials will be carried out,” he said.

Edi added that his party collaborated with various agencies by deploying four excavator units. Two large excavators from BBWS Cimanuk–Cisanggarung and two small excavators from the Public Works Department.

“We also help transport traders’ merchandise to their homes or new business locations, while materials such as wood are disposed of at the Kopiluhur landfill,” he explained.

Support also comes from the local community. The chairman of RW 3 Pagongan, Kaelani, stated that his party follows and supports government policies. “We support city planning. For the beauty and order of the city, of course this is a good thing,” he said briefly.

One of the seafood traders, Via, who previously sold in the area, admitted that he had dismantled his stall independently. “I’ve been selling here for three years. Previously there had been a warning letter, so we demolished it ourselves. We support the government’s program so that future planning of the city and rivers can be better,” he concluded. ***