From Village to Capital: Stories of Migrants Trying Their Luck in Jakarta

The Eid return flow not only brings residents back to their routines but also introduces a wave of new hopes. Several migrants arrive in Jakarta dreaming of improving their lives, some with solid plans, others relying on determination and family connections. Behind the ongoing urbanisation figures lie personal stories of courage, doubt, and the struggle to survive in a city that never truly stops. Rian Maulana (24), a young man from Brebes, Central Java, is one face of this year’s post-Eid migrant wave. He arrived in Jakarta on H+4 Eid, 25 March 2026, after a long journey by overnight bus to Pulogebang Terminal. “This is the first time I’ve gone far from the village. Honestly, I was a bit shocked when I got here,” Rian said when contacted by Kompas.com on Friday (27/3/2026). With Rp 1.2 million from leftover Eid bonuses and savings, Rian arrived without job certainty. He only had one opportunity: an invitation from his cousin, Muslim (31), who had migrated earlier and works in a shoe workshop in the Cakung area, East Jakarta. The early days in Jakarta immediately revealed a reality different from his expectations. “I thought finding work in Jakarta would be easy. It turns out it’s not that simple. There’s a lot of competition, and living costs are high,” he said. Now, Rian has started helping with light tasks at his cousin’s workplace, cutting materials and gluing shoes, though he is not yet a permanent employee. He realises that his time and money are limited. “Usually, when one person succeeds in surviving, they then pull in siblings, cousins, or friends from the village. It’s like a chain,” he said. However, he does not close his eyes to the limitations. Although he has worked in Jakarta for five years, his economic condition still depends on piecework systems. Even so, he chooses to help Rian in the early stages of migration, providing accommodation and initial job access. “It’s family, so we help anyway. Although it becomes a burden too because my own situation is just scraping by,” he said. For new migrants, the biggest challenge is not just getting a job, but surviving amid high living costs. Rian mentions that daily food expenses can reach Rp 20,000-30,000 if being frugal. He lives in a small rented room with his cousin, sharing space with limitations. “At night it’s a bit cramped, but we appreciate it for now. The important thing is there’s a place to rest,” he said.