Bekasi officials suspended over Plaza Patriot vendor issues

The Bekasi City Government has suspended five officials for one week following a crackdown on street vendors (PKL) at Plaza Patriot Candrabhaga. The area, intended for public recreation and sports, had become crowded with unauthorized vendors.

Mayor Tri Adhianto ordered the suspensions to allow the officials to focus on resolving the vendor issue and to facilitate an investigation. The suspended individuals include the Sub-district Head of South Bekasi, the Head of Kayuringin Jaya, the Head of UPTD GOR, the Head of UPTD Cleaning Protocol, and a Satpol PP squad leader. They are currently stationed at the BKPSDM pending an inspection by the Inspectorate.

In addition to the administrative sanctions, the city is investigating allegations of illegal levies (pungli) involving government employees. Vendors reported paying fees under the guise of cleaning costs, which officials believe encouraged them to occupy prohibited areas. The Mayor has directed the Inspectorate and the BKPSDM to determine how these funds were collected and whether they reached higher-level leadership.

To balance economic needs with public space utility, the government has designated the stadium corridors as an official trading area for vendors, prohibiting sales in the main plaza area.