Jakarta Deserted, M08 Tanah Abang Minibus Lacks Passengers, Income Disappears

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Minibus drivers on the M08 route from Tanah Abang to Jakarta Kota are complaining about a drastic drop in income during the 2026 Eid al-Fitr holiday. According to the drivers, there are almost no passengers using their services during the Eid break. This is because the M08 minibus usually serves workers travelling from in front of Tanah Abang Station to offices along Jalan Abdul Muis up to Harmoni. “There are no passengers, Sis. It dropped 100 percent straight away. Since the joint leave holiday started, there have been no passengers,” said one minibus driver, Johnson (50), at Tanah Abang Station on Friday (20/3/2026). “Today, there are no passengers taking the minibus to tour Kota Tua either,” he continued. He admitted that he would only resume operations after Asr prayer time, while using the free time to rest around the station. According to Johnson, the decision was made because the chances of getting passengers are very small when Jakarta is quiet. “On normal days, we operate the minibus only in the morning from 06.00 to 10.00 WIB, when there are definitely passengers. Even then, once on the way, before reaching Jakarta Kota, the passengers are already gone,” he explained. “Usually, the last passengers get off at Harmoni and nearby areas. After that, it’s empty. From the city back here, it’s also empty. From afternoon to evening, it’s mostly empty. Even the daily setoran isn’t certain to cover costs,” Johnson clarified. “Rather than operating and only getting one or two passengers then returning empty, it’s better not to run. The fuel still runs, but there are no passengers,” he said. He explained that the fare for the M08 minibus from Tanah Abang to Jakarta Kota is Rp8,000 for a one-way trip. However, passengers getting off in the Abdul Muis or Harmoni areas usually pay around Rp5,000. “The actual fare is Rp4,000, but usually passengers give Rp5,000,” said Johnson.