Strategi Bertahan Hidup Pedagang Kaki Lima (PKL) di Jalan Dr. Mansyur Kecamatan Medan Baru Kota Medan

Abstract

Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, following China, India, and the United States, with a population reaching 277.5 million people in 2023. The population of Indonesia is spread across various regions, but many have migrated to major cities, including Medan. This rapid urbanization has spurred the growth of the informal sector, such as Street Vendors (PKL), which are commonly found in urban areas like Dr. Mansyur Street in Medan. Although they frequently face evictions by the government and Satpol PP, PKL persist because their income is better compared to other locations. This study explores the survival strategies of PKL on Dr. Mansyur Street, including how they cope with evictions and manage their uncertain income. This research is qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques include interviews, observations, and documentation. The results of this study show that street vendors on Dr. Mansyur Street in Medan face various challenges such as evictions by the government and SATPOL PP, decreased income during the Universitas Sumatera Utara students' holidays, and the impact of weather changes. To address these issues and meet their family needs, PKL employ several survival strategies. Their active strategies include seeking more strategic selling locations, adjusting their merchandise to market demand, extending selling hours, and involving family members in the business. Passive strategies involve daily life frugality, such as reducing consumption, buying clothes only when absolutely necessary, and saving for the future. Additionally, networking strategies involve utilizing social relationships for loans from family, friends, and neighbors, as well as accessing social assistance from the government. Through this combination of strategies, street vendors strive to survive amidst the economic and social uncertainties of the urban environment.