Switching to Fruit Ice During Ramadan, Nasi Goreng Seller Nets Rp800,000 a Day

The brown and blue cart stands as the silent witness to Ersi, a 39-year-old woman who helps support her family’s economy by selling es buah (fruit ice).

The cart still bears a sticker reading “Nasi Goreng” and “Mi Goreng” which is slightly peeled at the front.

Before Ramadan, the cart was used by her husband, Ujo, to sell nasi goreng.

Behind the glass of the cart, the hands of the mother of three begin to dance with the knife and fruit to prepare her wares.

For her, this Ramadan is not just about fasting to restrain desire. It is a field of sustenance she awaits.

Profit is significant. When it is quiet, Ersi says she earns about Rp 500,000. When there are many customers, her earnings reach Rp 800,000.

“On a day when it’s busy, it’s unpredictable, sometimes busy sometimes quiet,” Ersi told Kompas.com when she was interviewed in Bogor on Tuesday (3/3/2026).

Compared with the nasi goreng sales her husband conducted before Ramadan, daily income was only Rp 200,000-300,000.

“Well, with es buah it’s only once a year; with nasi goreng sometimes you sell, sometimes you don’t. Different (income), alhamdulillah it’s more with es buah,” she said.

At that place, Ersi isn’t alone. Many other traders are also seeking sustenance during Ramadan. Even so, the woman does not feel she is competing.

For her, in selling and earning, each has its own place and will not be swapped.

“Biasa saja, semua jualan mah enggak usah merasa tersaingi rezeki dari mana saja datang,” she said.