JOMBANG—Dozens of street vendors who usually operate near Merdeka Stadium in Jombang claim they suffered losses due to the policy of closing stalls during the “Dialog Cinta Festival Vol. 3” held on July 19-20, 2025.

The concert, featuring top musicians such as NDX AKA, Nidji, Vierratale, Dere, and Hadad Alwi, instead caused unrest among vendors. They were prohibited from selling for two full days by the event organizers.

Ironically, the concert, which was touted as a driver of the local economy, is now accused of shutting down the income sources of small-scale vendors around the stadium. This policy has drawn sharp criticism from local legislators in Jombang Regency.

A member of the local council, Kartiyono, regretted the unilateral decision made by the organizers. According to him, such a large event should have been an opportunity to boost the economy, not push out small businesses.

“A music concert should be a chance for street vendors to earn extra income. But if they are instead banned from selling, this contradicts the event’s original purpose,” said Kartiyono on Saturday (July 19, 2025).

The politician emphasized the need for thorough planning that considers the presence of long-time vendors, both permanent and temporary.

“If there needs to be regulation or relocation, there should be a humane solution. For example, providing a dedicated vending zone or an area that ensures their livelihood,” he added.

Data collected indicates that the closure affected around 40 vendors on the northern side of the stadium, near the main entrance. They are members of the Jombang Street Vendors Association (Spekal).

Although the organizers provided compensation, vendors stated that the amount was minimal and did not match their usual earnings during major events.

“Normally, during concerts like this, our income can double. But this time, we were forced to close for two full days. We are very disappointed,” said one vendor who wished to remain anonymous.

It is known that the “Dialog Cinta Festival Vol. 3” concert was not part of the official agenda of the Jombang Regency Government. However, its impact was directly felt by small-scale vendors.

Kartiyono stressed that the organizers should have been more considerate of the local residents’ situation.

“We are not against entertainment or concerts. But if the goal is to boost the local economy, it shouldn’t make life harder for those who depend on the stadium area for their livelihood,” he concluded.

Merdeka Stadium

Merdeka Stadium, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is a historic sports venue built in 1957 to commemorate the country’s independence from British rule. It was here that Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, declared the nation’s independence (“Merdeka”) on August 31, 1957. The stadium has since hosted major sporting events, concerts, and national celebrations, remaining a symbol of Malaysia’s freedom and heritage.

Dialog Cinta Festival Vol. 3

The *Dialog Cinta Festival Vol. 3* is an Indonesian cultural and artistic event focused on love, dialogue, and creative expression, often featuring music, poetry, and discussions. While specific historical details about this edition are limited, it continues a tradition of fostering community engagement and artistic collaboration. The festival highlights contemporary Indonesian culture while promoting themes of unity and emotional connection.

Jombang Street Vendors Association (Spekal)

The **Jombang Street Vendors Association (Spekal)** is a collective of local vendors in Jombang, Indonesia, that supports small-scale traders by organizing resources and advocating for their rights. Historically, such associations have played a key role in preserving traditional markets and sustaining the livelihoods of street vendors amid urbanization. Spekal helps maintain the cultural and economic vibrancy of Jombang’s street food and market scene.

Jombang Regency Government

The Jombang Regency Government oversees the administration of Jombang Regency, a region in East Java, Indonesia, known for its cultural and religious significance. Established during the Dutch colonial era, Jombang is often called the “City of Santri” due to its many Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and its role as a center for Islamic education. The regency government promotes local development while preserving its rich heritage, including traditional Javanese arts and religious traditions.