Strengthening Legal Awareness Among Street Vendors in Surakarta: A Study on Informality and Municipal Regulations

Abstract

Introduction:
Street vendors in urban Indonesia, particularly in Surakarta (Solo), operate within a legal grey zone, often facing regulatory crackdowns, eviction, or relocation without adequate legal understanding or protection. The informal nature of their economic activities makes them vulnerable to policy shifts and enforcement actions under municipal regulations.

Purpose:
This study aims to examine how legal awareness initiatives can empower street vendors in Surakarta to navigate municipal regulations, assert their rights, and engage more constructively with local authorities.

Method:
Adopting a qualitative case study approach, the research combined interviews with street vendors, municipal officials, and civil society advocates with participatory observation and analysis of relevant local regulations. Legal literacy workshops and focus group discussions were also assessed as part of the intervention.

Findings and Results:
The study found that increased legal awareness enabled vendors to better understand licensing processes, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the implications of municipal spatial planning policies. Vendors who participated in legal literacy sessions were more likely to seek negotiation with local authorities and form associations to collectively advocate for their interests. However, challenges remain in reconciling informal economic practices with rigid regulatory frameworks.

Urgency:
As urban governance in Indonesian cities becomes increasingly formalized, there is an urgent need to ensure that the rights and livelihoods of informal workers are not overlooked. Legal awareness serves as a critical foundation for inclusive and just urban development.

Contribution:
This research contributes to the discourse on informality and urban justice by showing how legal empowerment can reduce conflict, promote dialogue, and facilitate policy reforms that balance regulation with economic inclusivity.

Recommendation:
Local governments should institutionalize legal literacy programs for informal workers and create participatory platforms that include street vendors in urban policy planning. Regulatory frameworks must be adapted to reflect the realities of informality and social equity.