Tensions were apparent in the Jakarta governor’s conference room Monday last week as dozens of Tegal Food Stall Cooperative (Kowarteg) members in grey uniform shirts restlessly awaited Governor Fauzi Bowo. They came to discuss the latest regional regulation governing the taxation of Tegal side-street food stalls or warteg as they are popularly known.

According to Imam Sofyan, Secretary-General of Kowarteg, the cooperative members who run warte