From Depok's Narrow Alleys, This Rp 5,000 Parking Business Quietly Rakes in Millions Every Month

The area around Depok Baru Station in Depok City is filled with rows of motorcycles parked tightly along narrow alleys. Various signs and banners for motorcycle parking services stand out, with writings such as “24-Hour Motorcycle Parking”, “Can Stay Overnight”, and rates starting from Rp 5,000 per day. At one spot on Jalan Arif Rahman Hakim, Bambang (not his real name) stands among hundreds of neatly arranged motorcycles. He appears to know exactly which customer’s vehicle has just arrived and which one will be picked up later in the afternoon. Bambang is no newcomer. He has been running the motorcycle parking business for 15 years, since the area was not as crowded as it is now. He recalls that when he first started, parking space inside the station was still limited, while the needs of residents continued to grow. Bambang became one of the pioneers of motorcycle parking services in the area, starting with a rented shophouse. “If it’s for other businesses, it wouldn’t work like that, so it became this kind of business. Because people need a place for their motorcycles,” he said. Over time, the area around the station developed rapidly. Motorcycle parking spots sprang up, and competition became increasingly fierce. However, Bambang claims his business remains busy thanks to loyal customers. “All loyal customers. From Monday to Friday, those are our customers; if they get off the train within a 100-metre radius, we know. Which motorcycle is theirs,” he said. According to Bambang, the key to survival is not just a strategic location, but trust. He even abandoned the ticket system and relies on memory. In this way, he can recognise customers’ faces, motorcycle types, and even their return times. For rates, Bambang charges Rp 5,000 from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. If staying overnight, the rate is Rp 15,000. “From 5 a.m. to 12 midnight, it’s just Rp 5,000. But if overnight, Rp 15,000,” he said. The majority of customers are workers commuting to Jakarta. Some others are Depok residents with daily parking needs. “Workers, sometimes those who don’t go home, sometimes those going back to their hometowns,” said Bambang. He has even received motorcycles left for up to a month. However, such situations often lead to negotiations due to customers’ financial limitations. “If it’s already a month, the payment becomes unclear,” he said. In operations, Bambang is assisted by one employee on a shift system to ensure 24-hour service.