The Dilemma of Street Vendors around the University of North Sumatra Campus

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 133 views

The Dilemma of Street Vendors around the University of North Sumatra Campus

In the context of economic development around the campus of the University of North Sumatra, the existence of street vendors (PKL) is often a dilemma. On the one hand, they are an important source of income for students and the surrounding community, but on the other hand, their existence often disturbs order, cleanliness, and campus comfort. This makes the university take firm steps by issuing regulations that prohibit street vendors from selling without permission. To stay in the midst of this strict regulation, street vendors around the University of North Sumatra must design various strategies.

The University of North Sumatra, as a prestigious institution of higher learning, plays a significant role in the economic development of the surrounding area. The campus is a hub of activity, with thousands of students, faculty members, and staff coming and going every day. The presence of street vendors around the campus is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the local community. However, their existence is often at odds with the university's efforts to maintain a clean and orderly campus.

The Urgent Economic Needs of Street Vendors

This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive study method, which allows researchers to gather detailed information about the strategies implemented by street vendors around the campus. The results showed that the urgent economic needs were the main factors that encourage traders to fight to continue to be able to sell. In addition, the University of North Sumatra as a large market share provides a profitable opportunity for street vendors.

The economic needs of street vendors are a significant factor in their decision to continue selling around the campus. Many of them come from low-income backgrounds and rely on their street vending business as their primary source of income. The university's regulations, which prohibit street vendors from selling without permission, have made it difficult for them to earn a living. However, the demand for their products and services remains high, and they are determined to find ways to continue selling despite the challenges.

Strategies Implemented by Street Vendors to Survive Amid Regulatory Pressure

Based on the results of the study, various strategies implemented by street vendors to survive amid regulatory pressure include:

1. Establishing Relationships with Patrol Officers

Many traders are trying to establish good relations with campus security officers. In this way, they hope to get tolerance in selling even without official permission.

Establishing relationships with patrol officers is a common strategy used by street vendors to avoid being caught by campus security. By building a rapport with the officers, they can often get away with selling without permission. However, this strategy is not foolproof, and vendors must be careful not to overstep their boundaries.

2. Activities "Cat-Cucingan"

Some traders adopt a selling strategy by moving places according to the raid time conducted by the university. This activity requires vigilance and speed, making traders must be smart in managing the time to sell.

The "cat-cucingan" strategy involves moving quickly and quietly to avoid being caught by campus security. This requires a high degree of vigilance and speed, as vendors must be able to move their goods and themselves quickly to avoid being caught. This strategy is not without risk, as vendors may still be caught and fined.

3. Building Relationships between Traders

Solidity between traders is also one of the keys to defense. By building a community, they can support each other and share information about safe time and places to sell.

Building relationships between traders is an important strategy for street vendors. By forming a community, they can support each other and share information about safe times and places to sell. This can help to reduce the risk of being caught and fined.

4. Choosing the Right Selling Location

Strategic location is an important factor. Intelligent traders will choose a place that is crowded with students, but remains in an area that is a little more hidden to avoid supervision.

Choosing the right selling location is a critical strategy for street vendors. By selecting a location that is crowded with students, but not too visible to campus security, vendors can increase their chances of selling without being caught.

5. Intersection in Taste and Service

In addition to the surviving strategy in terms of regulation, street vendors also seek to improve the quality of products and services. By offering delicious food and drinks and friendly service, they hope to attract more and more customers, despite the many competitions in the surrounding environment.

Improving the quality of products and services is an important strategy for street vendors. By offering delicious food and drinks and friendly service, they can attract more customers and increase their sales. This can help to offset the risks associated with selling without permission.

Conclusion

From this analysis, it appears that street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus face significant challenges, but they also show resilience and creativity in adapting to the environment that is always changing. The strategies implemented by PKL not only reflect the spirit of entrepreneurship, but also a form of defense business that can be an inspiration for other traders. Their existence, although often underestimated, has a significant impact on the local economy and daily life of students.

The existence of street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus is a complex issue. On the one hand, they provide an important source of income for students and the surrounding community. On the other hand, their existence often disturbs order, cleanliness, and campus comfort. The university's regulations, which prohibit street vendors from selling without permission, have made it difficult for them to earn a living. However, the demand for their products and services remains high, and they are determined to find ways to continue selling despite the challenges.

The strategies implemented by street vendors to survive amid regulatory pressure are a testament to their resilience and creativity. By establishing relationships with patrol officers, adopting the "cat-cucingan" strategy, building relationships between traders, choosing the right selling location, and improving the quality of products and services, they are able to continue selling despite the challenges. Their existence, although often underestimated, has a significant impact on the local economy and daily life of students.

In conclusion, the existence of street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus is a complex issue that requires a nuanced approach. While their existence may disturb order, cleanliness, and campus comfort, it also provides an important source of income for students and the surrounding community. The strategies implemented by PKL to survive amid regulatory pressure are a testament to their resilience and creativity, and their existence has a significant impact on the local economy and daily life of students.

Q: What are the main challenges faced by street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus?

A: The main challenges faced by street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus include the university's regulations that prohibit street vendors from selling without permission, the need to establish relationships with patrol officers, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.

Q: How do street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus establish relationships with patrol officers?

A: Street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus establish relationships with patrol officers by building a rapport with them, often through small gifts or favors. This can help to reduce the risk of being caught and fined.

Q: What is the "cat-cucingan" strategy, and how do street vendors use it to avoid being caught?

A: The "cat-cucingan" strategy involves moving quickly and quietly to avoid being caught by campus security. Street vendors use this strategy by monitoring the movements of campus security and quickly relocating to avoid being caught.

Q: How do street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus build relationships with each other?

A: Street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus build relationships with each other by forming a community and sharing information about safe times and places to sell. This can help to reduce the risk of being caught and fined.

Q: What is the importance of choosing the right selling location for street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus?

A: Choosing the right selling location is critical for street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus, as it can help to increase their chances of selling without being caught. By selecting a location that is crowded with students, but not too visible to campus security, vendors can increase their sales.

Q: How do street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus improve the quality of their products and services?

A: Street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus improve the quality of their products and services by offering delicious food and drinks and friendly service. This can help to attract more customers and increase their sales.

Q: What is the impact of street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus on the local economy and daily life of students?

A: The existence of street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus has a significant impact on the local economy and daily life of students. They provide an important source of income for students and the surrounding community, and their products and services are an integral part of the campus culture.

Q: What are the implications of the university's regulations on street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus?

A: The university's regulations on street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus have significant implications for the vendors and the campus community. While the regulations are intended to maintain order and cleanliness, they can also have a negative impact on the vendors and the local economy.

Q: What can be done to address the challenges faced by street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus?

A: To address the challenges faced by street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus, the university and local authorities can consider implementing policies that support the vendors, such as providing them with a designated selling area or offering training and resources to help them improve their products and services.

Q: What is the future of street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus?

A: The future of street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus is uncertain, as the university's regulations and the local economy continue to evolve. However, it is likely that street vendors will continue to play an important role in the campus culture and economy, and that they will continue to adapt to changing circumstances to survive and thrive.

Q: How can the university and local authorities support street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus?

A: The university and local authorities can support street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus by providing them with a designated selling area, offering training and resources to help them improve their products and services, and implementing policies that support their livelihoods.

Q: What are the benefits of supporting street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus?

A: Supporting street vendors around the University of North Sumatra campus can have numerous benefits, including improving the local economy, enhancing the campus culture, and providing opportunities for students and vendors to learn and grow.