Sariyah’s Journey from Pemalang to Sell Takjil at Benhil Every Ramadan
Among the many takjil sellers at Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) in Jakarta, Bu Sariyah stands out as she hawks wet cakes and a range of fried snacks for takjil hunters. She travels all the way from Pemalang, Central Java, to Jakarta just to sell takjil. While her daily business back home in Pemalang is as a trader of basic staples and vegetables, she comes to Jakarta specifically for Ramadan to sell cakes and snacks.
“On a daily basis we don’t sell wet cakes and fried snacks. We run a groceries and vegetables stall in the village. Selling wet cakes and fried snacks in Jakarta is only during Ramadan,” Sariyah said at her stall in Benhil, Central Jakarta.
Her intention to come to Jakarta solely for Ramadan is based on her love for making cakes. Her skill in the culinary world, especially baking, has been honed since she was a girl.
“Since I was young I have been involved in the world of cakes; baking is my hobby, whatever the cake.”
During Ramadan, she resides in Bekasi with her daughter, where the cakes and fried items are prepared.
Not to be outdone, given the large volume of cakes and fritters she sells, Sariyah, her daughter, and one employee begin processing the merchandise after dusk. All processes continue until near early morning when all the goods are ready to be sold.
“From the night after breaking the fast we begin preparing. Then we sleep at around 11-12 pm. Then again at 3 am for sahur, and continue. We don’t do it alone; we do it in a team. My daughter starts at night by delivering the merchandise to Benhil, placing it at the stall, and then laying it out for sale,” she said.
Despite the lengthy process, she says she is happy that her trade brings money home to the village.
God willing, usually the profits cover the travel costs back to Pemalang. But this year, she is unsure as it is already mid-year.
Sariyah says she has been selling in the Benhil area every Ramadan since 2011. She has tried several trading spots in Benhil, from near Pasar Benhil to the current location at the Benhil Ramadan Takjil Bazaar.
However this year she reports a downturn in sales. She does not know what factors underlie the decline in turnover, but says it has fallen by up to 40 percent.
“If this year’s sales are slipping, I don’t know the cause. Perhaps there are fewer visitors. A 40 percent drop in turnover. We used to have three workers; now only one who does the frying,” she added.