Letter: Learning from ‘ojek’ drivers

Ojek (motorcycle taxis) are a means of public transportation, usually connecting passengers to other public transportation or for going to work or other purposes.

In the past, in Jakarta and many other cities residents used becak (pedicab). In certain places, we can still see becak. But since the operation of becak was banned by the local government, it has been replaced by ojek.

In line with the population growth, the role of the ojek becomes more important in serving the people. They now operate in many places, not only in residential areas, but also on major roads of large cities like Jakarta.

I used to go jogging with my wife in the morning around my house in Kampung Baru, Kelapa Dua Wetan, Ciracas, East Jakarta.

Within our residential area, there are some ojek ranks. One of the ranks is very close to my house known as Pangkalan Ojek Jengkol, where we residents often talk with the drivers.

We can learn many things from the presence of ojek drivers in our area.

Even though they have no written formal agreements, no written memoranda of understanding, no written codes of conduct or the like, they are very disciplined in waiting for passengers.

The passengers cannot choose or have a preference for certain drivers because they have to take the one who is at the head of the queue.

When any passenger wants to take a certain driver, they spontaneously express their objection. They also have a standard tariff based on their convention. Once the tariff is decided by members in the rank, all drivers abide by their decision.

Moreover, those drivers have a great solidarity, not only when they face certain physical threats, but also when they face other problems, including the economic problems faced by members of the rank. If any driver suffers an accident, illness, etc, they spontaneously offer help.

Almost all ojek drivers have an important role in distributing and giving information. If you are a stranger needing to find an address of a certain resident, don’t worry as the ojek drivers are ready to help you. They are also sources of information for residents. In many cases, ojek drivers can act as “informants” both for visitors and residents.

While waiting for passengers, they usually have a happy time, joking with each other. From their chats, I can see that they also follow news reports through television. Therefore they can talk fluently about various issues: corruption, politics, terrorism, national leadership, celebrities and other up-to-date issues.

And more importantly, almost all ojek drivers in my residence are peace lovers as they enjoy their lives with their limited daily earnings.

It is so unlike the frequent reports of violence in many parts of the country, and conflict among politicians as reported by media.
H. A. R. Maklin.
Jakarta