Spare-parts prices at workshops rise, customers delay routine servicing to once every two months

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.COM — The rise in prices of spare parts for motor vehicles has forced several vehicle owners to postpone their monthly routine servicing. To manage swelling expenditures, some customers are now choosing to postpone their vehicle’s routine service schedule to every two months. This strategy is being adopted by Gari (33), a workshop customer in West Jakarta who says he learned about increases in oil and spare parts prices through various media reports. According to him, the rise in spare parts prices is not too significant, but it does affect his spending. He even admits that he has stopped giving the tip he usually gives to the mechanic after servicing the motor. Similar complaints were voiced by Rizki (34), a private-sector employee with a salary equivalent to the Regional Minimum Wage (UMR). He says he was shocked when the routine servicing bill for his motorcycle soared. ‘I serviced recently — just changed oil, some engine work, cleaning — and no spare parts were replaced; only oil, because I changed the differential oil, engine oil, and injection,’ he lamented. Now the amount is only enough for light servicing and an oil change. ‘I asked why it rose, and they said, ’Everything goes up, sir, because of the dollar.’ I didn’t expect it to rise that high. It’s quite draining for those on UMR salaries,’ he added. Meanwhile, Tomi (31), a field worker who relies on his vehicle as his main job tool, says he is reluctant to delay servicing. Instead, Tomi has cut back on his personal daily expenses.