The Phenomenon of Cart-Pushing Homeless People Ahead of Eid: Where Do They Come From?
Jakarta, 6 March 2026 — The phenomenon of homeless individuals pushing carts during Ramadan and the lead-up to Eid in Jakarta involves not only long-standing residents of the capital’s streets.
Based on field observations and interviews with several homeless individuals, many of them come from areas surrounding Jakarta and are migrants from other cities seeking additional income during Ramadan.
Kompas.com’s observations on Friday (6 March 2026) along the road connecting Pasar Minggu Street to Prof. Dr. Soepomo Street in South Jakarta showed that pavements in the area were being used by homeless individuals as resting places and even overnight accommodation.
Many of them were seen carrying carts, sacks, or cardboard boxes containing scrap materials collected from waste picking. Some carried only bags containing clothing and personal belongings.
Nanto Dwi Subekti, head of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Paramilitary Unit (Satpol PP) for South Jakarta, said the phenomenon of individuals arriving with carts to collect scrap materials has actually been occurring in Jakarta for a long time.
“This is what we typically call cart-pushing homeless people,” Nanto said when contacted by Kompas.com.
According to him, the number of homeless individuals usually increases ahead of Eid al-Fitr. Satpol PP conducts routine patrols and outreach to individuals living in public spaces.
“Satpol PP Pasar Minggu emphasises that no residents are living on pavements. We consistently conduct patrols and outreach to vulnerable populations in Pasar Minggu District,” he said.
According to Idah, a homeless woman, more residents from outside the region typically come to Jakarta ahead of Eid in search of livelihood opportunities.
“Some come from Manggarai, and some migrate here,” Idah said.
Ramadan is also a period when homeless individuals hope to receive assistance from the community.
“Sometimes we receive zakat al-Fitr, clothing, or money in envelopes,” she said.
Idah depends on scrap collection work daily for survival. The scrap materials she collects are sold to waste dealers in the Tebet area.