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Online drivers choose to stay in Jakarta to earn more cash
While many people have started to leave the capital, many app-based ride hailing service drivers have decided to stay in Jakarta to earn more money thanks to decreased competition for passengers.
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A Go-Jek motorcycle taxi driver rides around the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle in Central Jakarta. (thejakartapost.com/Wienda Parwitasari)
W
hile many people have started to leave the capital, many app-based ride hailing service drivers have decided to stay in Jakarta to earn more money thanks to decreased competition for passengers.
With demand for their services remaining steady, these opportunist drivers want to take advantage of the absence of many of their colleagues that have joined the annual Idul Fitri exodus.
Fajar, a GrabCar driver who operates in the western part of greater Jakarta, is one of the drivers who is staying in the city to serve those also staying behind.
“When Idul Fitri is near many people go shopping to prepare for the big day,” said the 30-year-old.
"The monthly installment fees for my car cannot wait,” said Fajar, who needs Rp 5 million (US$375) a month to cover the installment fee for his Honda Mobilio.
Meanwhile, Juliarto Situmorang, 34, a GoJek driver, said he had decided not to return to his hometown in Medan, North Sumatra, as he saw the potential for increased income during the holiday.
“I hope to be able to earn more by serving people in some busy areas such as in Roxy, West Jakarta, or some recreational places where business activities will run as usual,” he said. (ika)
