Traces of Street Children's Tissue Sales Collections in Central Jakarta
Jakarta — Not all money earned by children selling tissues on the streets of central Jakarta truly remains in their possession.
Several children confessed that they must “collect” or “remit” portions of their sales proceeds to certain parties, although they were reluctant to explicitly state to whom the money was handed over.
These admissions emerged from conversations conducted by Kompas.com with several children selling tissues near Gondangdia Station and Cikini Station on Monday, 2 March 2026.
Bagas (13), a pseudonym, has been selling tissues on the streets around Gondangdia Station for nearly two years. The teenager from Kampung Rawa, Johar Baru, Central Jakarta, abandoned school in fifth grade after his parents separated. He now lives with his grandmother in a simple rented room.
“Initially, I started selling tissues following a friend who told me this area was busy,” said Bagas when met.
On busy days, Bagas reported earning between Rp 20,000 to Rp 40,000 from tissue sales. However, this money did not entirely belong to him.
“Not all of it is for me. Some has to be remitted,” Bagas said quietly.
When asked to whom the money was given, Bagas refused to name anyone. He merely stated that an “older brother” typically collected the remittance in the late afternoon.
“Someone will come and collect it. If I don’t remit, I can’t sell here,” he said.
“If you want to work here, you follow the rules,” Bagas added tersely.
Each day, Bagas carries approximately 25 tissue packs. Of that amount, a minimum of 20 packs must be sold.
“I have to remit Rp 40,000 every day,” he said.
If he fails to meet that amount, Bagas explained, he receives a reprimand.
“I get scolded. Told that I’m lazy,” Bagas said.
From total sales that can reach Rp 50,000 on busy days, Bagas takes home only around Rp 15,000 to Rp 20,000. On quiet days, that amount is even smaller because merchandise sells at half the rate.
“When it rains, it’s difficult. People close their car windows,” he noted.
Not far away, at a junction near Cikini Station, Rizky (11) appeared to be rushing towards stopped vehicles.
The resident of Menteng Atas, South Jakarta, reported having sold tissues for eight months.
“Usually from two o’clock in the afternoon until evening prayers. When it’s busy, I can make Rp 30,000,” Rizky said.
He is the second of three children. His father works as a casual construction labourer and his mother is a housewife. Rizky attended school previously but did not continue.