Patterns of Power Relations in Governing Street Vendors: A Case Study of Bandung, Indonesia

摘要

This paper focuses on the discussion of power relations in governing of street vendors (Pedagang Kaki Lima or PKL) in Bandung. The objective is to identify the pattern of power relations between the government and street vendors as a consequence of the street vendors' governing approach applied in Bandung. The efforts to maintain their existence on the street is done through various actions, including self-organization, resistance, negotiation, accommodation and building social network, therefore governing the street vendors needs to reveal the actors involved in policy implementation and how power relations among actors is exercised to influence the policy implementation. This research applies qualitative approach with case study research strategy. The results found the existence of 4 (four) patterns of power relations that emerged as a response to the implementation of policy in governing street vendors implemented by the Government City of Bandung. These patterns indicated other strategic actors and their role in The first pattern, involves associations of street vendors as mediators in negotiating problems they face, the second pattern, street vendors use the local community of street vendors as mediators, the third pattern is street vendors using NGOs as mediators, and the forth pattern is through local organizations formed by sub district government to mediate street vendors and government. The four patterns of power relations in governing street vendors indicate that the government as the authority in governing street vendors actually do not have a direct relationship with street vendors. The existence of mediators, in the form of associations, communities, and society organizations, became a strategic actor that determine the successful implementation of the policy of governing street vendors.