BLITAR – Blitar authorities are stepping up efforts to remove street vendors from Diponegoro Road as part of a broader campaign to enforce local regulations and restore public spaces in the city center.

The city’s Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) has intensified monitoring along the busy corridor, particularly near schools and Kebon Rojo Park. Officials say vendors who continue to operate in restricted zones could face stricter enforcement measures in the coming weeks.

Satpol PP chief Suyatno said the operation follows Mayor Regulation No. 12 of 2023, which governs the management and supervision of street vendors across the city.

According to the regulation, vendors cannot conduct business in front of schools, government offices, or other public facilities. Despite repeated warnings, authorities still found several traders selling goods in prohibited areas.

“We have carried out many persuasive approaches, but some vendors continue to ignore the rules,” Suyatno said on Monday.

Among those drawing attention are fruit sellers operating from pickup trucks. Several of them have continued to park and trade near educational facilities despite previous warnings from officers.

Suyatno stressed that the city does not immediately remove vendors by force. Instead, officers follow a gradual enforcement process that begins with verbal warnings and voluntary compliance agreements.

Authorities also issue formal warning letters to repeat offenders. However, vendors who receive three written warnings and continue violating the regulation may face stronger action.

“We always prioritize dialogue and voluntary compliance,” Suyatno said. “If traders choose to follow the rules, we welcome that. But we will act against those who repeatedly ignore the regulations.”

To support affected vendors, Satpol PP and the city’s Trade and Industry Office have identified several legal trading locations throughout Blitar.

Approved areas include Cempaka Road, Wilis Road, Cokroaminoto Road, and Anjasmoro Road. The city also allows vendors to operate along both sides of Tanjung Road between 7 a.m. and midnight.

Officials say these designated locations provide opportunities for small businesses to continue earning income while maintaining order in public spaces.

The city government plans to strengthen coordination between Satpol PP and the Trade and Industry Office to carry out a broader urban management program in the near future.

Authorities hope the initiative will restore the intended function of public facilities, improve the appearance of the city center, and maintain a balance between urban order and local economic activity.

For now, officials remain firm on one point: street vendors cannot operate along Diponegoro Road.

“The entire Diponegoro Road corridor remains off-limits for street vending,” Suyatno said. “We will coordinate with the Trade and Industry Office and soon take action against all remaining violations.”