The public space Paradox: Balancing governance and street vending in urban Indonesia

This study examines how governance policies shape the use of public spaces by street vendors in urban Indonesia and explores their social, economic, and spatial impacts on vendors and the broader urban environment. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 participants from three major cities on Java Island, including street vendors, urban planners, government officials, and community leaders. The findings highlight significant challenges for street vendors, including bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining permits, economic strain from forced relocations, and the persistence of informality due to inconsistent policy enforcement. These governance strategies, though intended to regulate urban spaces, often marginalize vendors, exacerbate economic vulnerabilities, and disrupt urban vibrancy by limiting public access to affordable goods and services. The study underscores the need for inclusive and adaptive governance policies that balance urban order with economic opportunity, advocating for the integration of street vendors into urban planning to foster sustainable and dynamic public spaces.