On the Sidewalk of Jagakarsa, Tuhaya's Shoe Repair Cart Persists Amidst Modernisation
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The roar of motorbikes and cars passes by on Jagakarsa Road, Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (25/2/2026) afternoon.
In the midst of the heavy traffic and the increasing number of permanent buildings, a blue and white painted wooden cart stands on the edge of the pavement.
The words “Shoe Repair” on the cart are starting to fade. The paint is peeling in some parts. However, on top of it are neatly arranged various black rubber soles, some tied with string to prevent them from falling.
Several repaired shoes are displayed as examples of his work.
The cart is attached to the wall of a resident’s fence, utilising the narrow space between the pavement and the dividing wall. A large umbrella shades the simple stall from the scorching sun.
Behind the cart, Tuhaya (51) sits on a low plastic stool. Occasionally, he bends down to pick up a hammer, pliers, or glue from a small wooden box under his cart.
In his spare time waiting for customers, he looks down at his mobile phone.
The small stall is part of the pulse of the informal economy in the rapidly developing area.
Amidst the proliferation of shopping centres and modern shoe shops, the street shoe repair service continues to find its place.
Tuhaya admits that he has been a shoe repairman for many years. In Lenteng Agung, he has been working in the same spot for the past four years.
“I’m here every day. There are also those who go around, usually the elderly who carry their equipment on a wooden frame. I prefer to stay here with my cart,” said Tuhaya when interviewed by Kompas.com.
In the area around Jagakarsa Road, he estimates that there are about seven shoe repairmen. Some stay in one place, while others go around the residential areas.
“Often. You could say they are regulars,” he said.
Tuhaya even lost his identity card (KTP) during an eviction. To get it back, he had to pay Rp 150,000. Now, he says he no longer has his KTP.
“It’s a bit difficult when I need it for administrative purposes, but I just have to deal with it,” said Tuhaya.
In addition, in order to be able to continue working in the same location, he says he has to pay a fee to the local community organisation of around Rp 200,000 per month. He does not have any official permits.
Regarding his income, Tuhaya says there is no fixed amount. On some days, he can only earn Rp 20,000.
On other days, he can earn more. However, there are also days when he has few customers.
“It’s enough to eat. But it’s not certain. Sometimes I earn Rp 20,000 a day, sometimes more, sometimes I have few customers. The important thing is to earn something,” he said.
The price of shoe repair services varies. For simple repairs, such as re-attaching a detached part, the price is around Rp 20,000 to Rp 30,000, depending on the size and extent of the damage.