THE ROLE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN REGULATING AND FOSTERING STREET VENDORS IN OGAN KOMERING ULU REGENCY

Abstract

The presence of street vendors in Baturaja City, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, has created challenges in urban spatial management due to the occupation of sidewalks and roadways, affecting public order, cleanliness, urban aesthetics, and traffic flow. This study examines the effectiveness of the local government's role in implementing Regional Regulation No. 7 of 2011 on the regulation and empowerment of street vendors. The study employed a descriptive qualitative method with an administrative law approach, using data collected through interviews with relevant stakeholders and document analysis. The findings indicate that the implementation of the regulation remains ineffective, as zoning violations persist in several strategic areas and relocation efforts have failed due to vendors' concerns over income loss and inadequate relocation facilities. Major obstacles include limited enforcement personnel, weak inter-agency coordination, inadequate legal awareness resulting from insufficient public outreach, and inconsistent enforcement of administrative sanctions. The study recommends establishing clearer zoning regulations, strengthening inter-agency coordination, improving relocation facilities, and adopting participatory and persuasive approaches involving street vendors to achieve effective, orderly, and sustainable urban governance.