The Importance of Understanding Public Perception

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 108 views

Community Perception of the Policy of Structuring Street Vendors of the Sukaramai Market: A Case Study in Tegal Sari I Village, Medan District, Medan City

Introduction

Development is a planned and sustainable process of change aimed at improving the welfare of the community. However, the development in Indonesia during the New Order era, which focused on high economic growth without regard to income distribution, actually weakened the people's economic base. As a result, a multidimensional crisis hit Indonesia in 1997 and marked the end of the New Order era.

One of the impacts of this crisis is the increasing number of street vendors (PKL) who earn a living in various corners of the city, including in the Sukaramai Market, Medan. The existence of street vendors in the Sukaramai Market raises its own problems, such as congestion, discomfort for pedestrians, and unfair competition with official traders. To overcome this problem, the Medan City Government implemented a policy of structuring street vendors. However, this policy is not always well received by the whole community, especially street vendors in the Sukaramai Market.

The Importance of Understanding Public Perception

Studying public perception of street vendors' arrangement policies is very important for several reasons:

Policy Effectiveness

Community perception can affect policy success. If the community does not accept policies, then its application will be difficult and potentially cause conflict. Understanding public perception can help policymakers to identify potential obstacles and make necessary adjustments to ensure the policy's success.

Community Participation

Understanding community perception can open space for dialogue and participation in the decision-making process related to policy. By involving the community in the decision-making process, policymakers can ensure that the policy is tailored to the community's needs and is more likely to be accepted.

Conflict Avoidance

Identifying and understanding various perspectives of the community can help reduce the potential for conflict that arises due to policies. By understanding the community's concerns and needs, policymakers can develop policies that address these concerns and reduce the likelihood of conflict.

Research Methods

This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data was collected through field observations, interviews with street vendors, official traders, and the community around the Sukaramai Market, as well as literature studies.

Research Results and Analysis

The results showed that there were a variety of public perceptions of street vendor structuring policies in the Sukaramai Market. Some people support this policy because they are considered capable of creating environmental order and aesthetics. However, some others, especially street vendors, consider this policy to be detrimental because it reduces their income and place of business.

Recommendations and Suggestions

Based on the results of the study, here are some recommendations and suggestions that can be considered:

Dialogue and Participation

Medan City Government needs to involve street vendors in the decision-making process related to street vendor structuring policies. This can be achieved through regular meetings and consultations with street vendors to ensure that their concerns and needs are taken into account.

Comprehensive Solution

It is essential to find a comprehensive solution, not only to focus on physical arrangement, but also provides alternative places for selling and training to improve street vendors' skills. This can help to reduce the negative impact of the policy on street vendors and ensure that they are able to adapt to the new arrangement.

Effective Socialization

Socialization of PKL Structuring Policy needs to be carried out intensively and easily understood by all levels of society. This can be achieved through various channels, including media, community meetings, and public awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

Public perception of street vendor structuring policies in Sukaramai Market is very diverse. It is essential for the government to understand and accommodate various community perspectives in formulating and implementing policies. By involving the community and finding a comprehensive solution, it is hoped that the PKL structuring policy can run effectively and sustainably, and not cause conflict and injustice.

Implications for Policy and Practice

The findings of this study have several implications for policy and practice:

Policymakers need to involve street vendors in the decision-making process related to street vendor structuring policies.
A comprehensive solution is needed to address the needs of street vendors, including alternative places for selling and training.
Effective socialization of PKL Structuring Policy is essential to ensure that all levels of society understand and accept the policy.
The government needs to prioritize community participation and dialogue in the decision-making process related to street vendor structuring policies.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations:

The study was conducted in a single location, Sukaramai Market, Medan.
The study only focused on the perceptions of street vendors, official traders, and the community around the Sukaramai Market.
The study did not explore the impact of the policy on other stakeholders, such as consumers and local businesses.

Future Research Directions

Future research can build on the findings of this study by:

Conducting a larger-scale study to explore the perceptions of street vendors, official traders, and the community in other locations.
Exploring the impact of the policy on other stakeholders, such as consumers and local businesses.
Developing a comprehensive solution to address the needs of street vendors, including alternative places for selling and training.

References

[1] World Bank. (2019). Indonesia Development Update: Strengthening Institutions for Sustainable Growth.
[2] Ministry of Home Affairs. (2020). National Urban Policy.
[3] Medan City Government. (2020). PKL Structuring Policy.

Appendices

Appendix A: Research Instruments
Appendix B: Data Analysis Procedures
Appendix C: Case Study Description
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Community Perception of the Policy of Structuring Street Vendors of the Sukaramai Market

Q: What is the main goal of the policy of structuring street vendors in the Sukaramai Market?

A: The main goal of the policy is to create environmental order and aesthetics in the Sukaramai Market by structuring street vendors in a more organized and efficient manner.

Q: Why is it essential to understand public perception of street vendor structuring policies?

A: Understanding public perception is crucial because it can affect policy success. If the community does not accept policies, then its application will be difficult and potentially cause conflict.

Q: What are the benefits of involving street vendors in the decision-making process related to street vendor structuring policies?

A: Involving street vendors in the decision-making process can ensure that their concerns and needs are taken into account, reducing the likelihood of conflict and increasing the chances of policy success.

Q: What is a comprehensive solution to address the needs of street vendors?

A: A comprehensive solution involves providing alternative places for selling and training to improve street vendors' skills, in addition to physical arrangement.

Q: Why is effective socialization of PKL Structuring Policy essential?

A: Effective socialization is necessary to ensure that all levels of society understand and accept the policy, reducing the likelihood of conflict and increasing the chances of policy success.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policy and practice?

A: The findings of this study have several implications for policy and practice, including the need to involve street vendors in the decision-making process, provide a comprehensive solution, and ensure effective socialization of the policy.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including the fact that it was conducted in a single location, Sukaramai Market, Medan, and only focused on the perceptions of street vendors, official traders, and the community around the Sukaramai Market.

Q: What are the future research directions based on the findings of this study?

A: Future research can build on the findings of this study by conducting a larger-scale study to explore the perceptions of street vendors, official traders, and the community in other locations, exploring the impact of the policy on other stakeholders, and developing a comprehensive solution to address the needs of street vendors.

Q: What are the references used in this study?

A: The study references several sources, including the World Bank's Indonesia Development Update, the Ministry of Home Affairs' National Urban Policy, and the Medan City Government's PKL Structuring Policy.

Q: What are the appendices included in this study?

A: The study includes several appendices, including research instruments, data analysis procedures, and a case study description.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides insights into the community perception of street vendor structuring policies in the Sukaramai Market, highlighting the importance of understanding public perception and involving street vendors in the decision-making process.