Newcomers Flood Jakarta, but Not All Are Prepared for Job Competition

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The influx of new migrants to Jakarta following Eid al-Fitr has once again become an inseparable annual phenomenon from the dynamics of the capital. Each year, thousands of people arrive with hopes of improving their fortunes, finding jobs, and building new lives. However, behind the strong current of urbanisation, not all migrants come with adequate preparation, whether in terms of employment, finances, or mental readiness. On the other hand, many are still groping for direction amid the tight competition and high cost of living in the metropolitan city. Riska Amelia (26), a migrant from Cirebon, is one example of those who arrived in Jakarta without job certainty. Unlike some migrants who have clear plans, Riska started from scratch. “When I arrived, I felt a mix of emotions. I was tired, but immediately thought, ‘where do I start now?’” she said when contacted by telephone on Friday (27/3/2026). Previously, Riska had lived in Yogyakarta for nearly three years. There, she worked in the informal sector as a cashier and restaurant worker. Although her income was sufficient for living, she felt there was no room for growth or saving. The decision to move to Jakarta was driven by her family’s situation, particularly her father’s illness. She felt she had to seek greater opportunities, even though the risks were much higher. “If I stayed in Yogyakarta, my life would go on. But what about my family back home?” she said. With capital of around Rp 3.5 million, part of which was left for her family in the village, Riska is now staying at her friend’s rented house in Kalideres. A similar story is experienced by Rian Maulana (24), a migrant from Brebes, Central Java. This vocational high school automotive graduate came to Jakarta hoping to get a permanent job, though without certainty from the start. “I thought finding work in Jakarta would be easy. If you’re determined, there must be a way,” he said. However, the reality he faced was far different. After arriving in Jakarta on H+4 Eid, Rian could only help with his cousin’s work at a shoe workshop in the Cakung area, East Jakarta. He does not yet have permanent worker status and is still in the learning phase. “Just looking for information shows a lot of competitors. Plus, the high cost of living adds pressure,” he said.