Jakarta, as a metropolitan city in Indonesia, holds many stories. Many people come here seeking better opportunities, but not all can survive and thrive.
Various means are employed to earn a living, whether to support themselves or their families, and one such way is by working as a ‘tukang parkir’ (parking attendant).
Tukang parkir is not only found in Jakarta but also in various cities and regions across Indonesia. They are often stationed in front of shops, markets, tourist areas, and at busy intersections. Some operate legally, while others are unauthorised. The 55-year-old Hendriyanto, in particular, has been working as a tukang parkir for more than 20 years. He stands every day from 7 AM to 6 PM at Jakarta’s Jalan Kubis II intersection, helping vehicles navigate in and out of the road. Only a cup of coffee and a pack of cigarettes keep him company.
What makes Hendriyanto unique is his sunglasses and his Hansip uniform. (Hansip is an abbreviation for the Organisasi Pertahanan Sipil or, in English, Civil Defence Organisation.) While other tukang parkir typically wear casual clothes, Hendriyanto took the initiative to purchase a Hansip uniform. He regularly buys a new uniform when the old one becomes worn. His decision to wear this uniform was influenced by his personal experience of being arrested by the local Transportation Agency for wearing casual clothes and being deemed an unauthorised tukang parkir.
“I was arrested once by the authorities, so I decided to buy this Hansip uniform,” he reminisced.
Hendriyanto also shared that he used to work as tukang parkir under an organisation (which he did not name), but when he was arrested, the organisation did not take any responsibility. This experience led him to decide to work independently and use his own money to buy a Hansip uniform. Since donning the uniform, he has not been arrested again.
As tukang parkir in Jakarta, Hendriyanto’s income is unpredictable. He mentioned that his earnings are now lower than when he was affiliated with the organisation. “These days, I can only earn around Rp80,000 per day. In the past, when I was still wearing casual clothes, my income was enough to support two children and cover their school fees. Now, it’s just enough to pay for a two-room house and food,” Hendriyanto divulged.
Still and all, Hendriyanto enjoys being a parking attendant because it allows him to earn an income and help others – even if his help may be as simple as assisting car drivers to find parking spots. However, he also faces hostility from some people who dislike him and act rudely, possibly out of jealousy over his strategic location. “The important thing is that I can help people. I want to contribute to humanity even though I am poor. I can’t stand to see people struggling,” Hendriyanto remarked, sagely.
Despite the challenges and hostility, Hendriyanto finds fulfilment in his work, proving that his true purpose lies in earning an honest living and helping others, no matter the obstacles or one’s circumstances.