KARAKTERISTIK PEDAGANG KAKI LIMA PADA RUANG PUBLIK (STUDI KASUS: ALUN-ALUN TENGKU AMIR HAMZAH STABAT)

Abstract

Tengku Amir Hamzah Stabat Square is a public space that accommodates all community activities in Stabat District and its
surroundings. The activities of street vendors who occupied public spaces raise pros and cons. Street vendors not only
interfere with the use of public spaces, but also provide social space and are able to attract people to gather and revive
activities in public spaces. This study aims to reveal the characteristics and space-forming elements applied by street
vendors, due to the absence of studies related to the study of street vendor characteristics. This research is a qualitative and
quantitative research with data analysis using descriptive analysis method. Data collection was carried out through
observation and documentation methods as well as interviews. The results of this study indicate that the profile
characteristics of street vendors are dominated by the adult age group (26-45 years) who still come from this neighborhood
or live not far from the research location with the last education level being SMA/ SMK (highschool). Street vendors in the
research area sell food/drinks using carts/pushchairs. The elements that formed a public space applied by street vendors
are elements of comfort and image, access and linkage, uses and activity, and sociability. To create comfort and image
elements, street vendors provide physical attributes such as benches/chairs, tables, shade, games and music. Its strategic
location due to close proximity to the city's bustling centers really supports the elements of access and linkage. The uses
and activities elements offered by traders are places to eat or drink, play, relax, and recreation. Street vendors are able to
accommodate elements of sociability such as enjoy the panoramic view or scenery, meeting friends, interacting with other
people, and gathering with family, all of this because the variety of merchandise offered at relatively low price.