Bogor Station Sidewalk Revamp: Who Really Benefits?

JurnalPost.com - The revitalization of the Bogor Station area is one of the Bogor City Government's efforts to create a more orderly, safe, and comfortable public space. This area is a major hub for public activity, particularly for public transport users, pedestrians, and vendors who rely on economic activities around the station for their income.

On September 28, 2026, the Bogor City Government began reorganizing the area around the station by clearing 65 kiosks and vendors on Jalan Nyi Raja Permas. These kiosks were found to be occupying areas above drainage channels and sidewalks. The operation was led directly by the Deputy Mayor of Bogor, Jenal Mutaqin.

In my view, the government's move is fundamentally correct. Sidewalks are public facilities that should be used by pedestrians, not as permanent places for commerce. When sidewalks are obstructed by buildings or trading activities, the public is forced to walk on the road, which poses a risk to their safety.

However, the issue of urban area revitalization is not as simple as relocating vendors and restoring the function of sidewalks. There are public interests that must be considered, especially those who have long relied on the area for their economic survival.

Between Pedestrian Rights and the Fate of Vendors

From a pedestrian's perspective, the revitalization of the Bogor Station area certainly provides benefits. Restored sidewalks can improve comfort and safety for the public, especially for train passengers who pass through the area every day.

On the other hand, the clearance also has consequences for the vendors. The selling locations that have been their source of income must be abandoned for the sake of urban planning.

The Bogor City Government has actually prepared a plan to accommodate the affected vendors. Deputy Mayor of Bogor Jenal Mutaqin stated that the government will provide a hangar as a culinary center, which is planned to accommodate approximately 800 vendors on a rotating basis.

Furthermore, the vendors affected by the reorganization will be guided to become official traders and receive coaching from the government.

In my opinion, this plan is a positive step because it shows an effort to balance urban planning interests with the sustainability of small businesses. Nevertheless, the government must ensure that the new location is truly suitable for trading.

Relocation sites should not just provide business space. The government also needs to consider customer access, supporting facilities, the system for space allocation, and the vendors' opportunities to continue earning an income.

Urban Planning Must Prioritize Social Justice

From a social perspective, public space management policies are closely linked to justice in society. The government has the authority to regulate the use of public facilities, but the implementation of such policies must also consider the social and economic conditions of the residents.

In the context of the Bogor Station area revitalization, pedestrians have the right to use sidewalks safely. Meanwhile, vendors also need the opportunity to run their businesses to meet their daily needs.

These two interests should not be pitted against each other. Instead, the government needs to present policies that can provide benefits to both parties.

I argue that the success of the Bogor Station area revitalization should not be measured solely by clean and orderly sidewalks. True success must also be seen in the condition of the vendors after they are moved to the new location.

If the sidewalks become more comfortable but the vendors lose their source of income, then the revitalization still leaves social problems that need to be resolved.

Conversely, if pedestrian facilities are restored and vendors obtain more suitable business premises, the policy can serve as an example of urban planning that considers the common interest.

Ultimately, the revitalization of the Bogor Station area is not just a matter of public space order, but also concerns the government's commitment to its people.

A well-organized city should not only be beautiful to look at but also fair to the people who live and earn a living within it.

Therefore, the most important question is not just who benefits from the Bogor Station sidewalk revitalization, but whether all affected parties truly receive a fair and sustainable solution.

Author's Note:
Iklima Rizbi Hidayat is a 3rd-semester student of the Public Administration Study Program at Universitas Pamulang, Serang Campus, Student ID 251092100191. This opinion piece was written to fulfill an assignment for the Indonesian Social Theory course under lecturer Angga Rosidin, S.I.P., M.A.P.