Have you ever heard of the occasional random noises passing by your street throughout the day?
It might just be one of Indonesia’s many unique mobile vendors passing through.
These sellers, riding motorbikes or pushing mobile carts known as gerobak keliling, bring the market right to your doorstep. While street food vendors often settle in one spot, the convenience of these roaming vendors is a blessing when hunger strikes and the thought of going out feels like too much effort—they come right to you!
Here in Bali, these travelling vendors are a familiar sight. Meet Poxs, the man with the bakso gerobak keliling. Every day at 5PM–like clockwork–he pushes his cart around the corner of Gunung Soputan Street. With his ever-present cheery smile, and his trademark lontar (palm) leaf hat, he rings his cart’s bell, signalling his arrival to hungry customers.
Bakso, an Indonesian meatball dish, derives its name from the Hokkien word bak-so, meaning “fluffy meat” or “minced meat.” It’s a comforting favourite for many locals. Though Poxs doesn’t make the bakso himself—he receives it from a distributor—his love for the dish is evident. He knows it’s a sure-fire hit, perfect for warming up after a long day.
As he lifts the lid of his cart and the savoury aroma of the soup fills the air, Poxs shares more about his life. Surprisingly, he isn’t originally from Bali; he hails from Lombok, a fact hinted at by his traditional lontar hat, a true Lombok craft!
Poxs moved to Bali in 2017, leaving behind his family in Lombok to seek better work opportunities. “If it were up to me, I’d be back in my hometown. I love Lombok,” he said with a wistful smile. “But as a father and husband, I can provide better for my family by working here. The profit in Bali is just bigger.” His love for his family and home is clear, as he makes the journey back to Lombok every two months to see them.
Having lived in Bali before the COVID-19 pandemic, Poxs has witnessed the island’s rapid transformation. “These buildings are new,” he said, pointing to the houses lining the street. “This area used to be mostly rice fields and greenery.” As someone who meets many people in his work, Poxs interacts with a wide range of people, including many construction workers who have become his regular customers. “There’s so much construction happening now,” he continued. “Most of my customers are labourers. It’s disheartening to see nature being replaced by buildings and villas. Back in Lombok, there isn’t as much development. It’s still quiet, and the nature remains untouched.”
So, the next time you hear that familiar bell along Gunung Soputan, stop and treat yourself to a comforting bowl of bakso. Take a moment to chat with Poxs—ask him about Lombok, his family, and his life in Bali. You’ll leave with not just a satisfied appetite, but also a heartwarming story to remember.