Public spaces in Surabaya City, East Java, are built with state funds to serve the interests of the community. The aim is to create a safe space for pedestrians, proper business premises for small traders, and an environment for economic growth without harming the common interest.
However, illegal levies found in the Bungkul Park Car Free Day area, Kalijudan Culinary Tourism Centre, and street vendors at Tambak Wedi threaten this noble purpose. Despite the small amounts involved, illegal levies erode public trust, add to the economic burden of traders, and create a perception that public services can only be accessed through unofficial channels.
In the development of the case, the parties suspected of collecting the levies met with Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi to admit their wrongdoing and apologise. Some of the collected money has been returned to traders. Surabaya City Government affirmed that the legal process continues in accordance with the authority of law enforcement officials and invited the public to actively report similar practices.
The most vulnerable group from this practice is small traders who work with limited daily profits. Additional costs outside official stipulations reduce income for family needs or business capital expansion. Illegal levies also create a high-cost economy, promoting the perception that every public service must have additional costs not listed in the regulations.
Surabaya's government approach in handling the case involves joint verification with police, fund returns, and encouraging community participation. Oversight of public spaces is therefore not only the responsibility of government officials, but also requires active community involvement to prevent such practices from taking root.
