When Floods Turn Profitable: Cart Services for Transporting Motorcycles in West Jakarta Earn Rp 800,000 a Day

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Teenagers in Kembangan, West Jakarta, are earning a profit from transporting motorcycles amid the floods. They spotted a business opportunity from the deluge affecting Jalan Outer Ring Road and Jalan Kembangan Selatan, West Jakarta, on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Amid the waterlogged streets that have paralysed access, they have taken the initiative to offer motorcycle transport services using homemade carts. Several teenagers can be seen busily pushing and pulling simple wooden carts that have been modified. The carts are equipped with two large wheels, with sides and handles made from cylindrical iron bars. On top, a scooter motorcycle along with its rider is being transported on the cart. Meanwhile, three teenagers are working together to push the cart through the floodwaters up to 50 cm deep from Jalan Kembangan Selatan towards Jalan Outer Ring Road. Upon reaching a drier area, the cart stops and is tilted, then the motorcycle is slowly pushed backwards so it can resume moving safely. Agus (19), one of the teenagers offering the service, claims to have operated frequently in the area during floods. “This cart is for transporting motorcycles. So they don’t get flooded, so they don’t stall. We’ve done this often,” Agus told Kompas.com at the location on Tuesday. The fare applies equally whether transporting a motorcycle or a person crossing. “Motorcycle or person, it’s the same, Rp 20,000,” he added. The service is highly sought after by motorbike riders who are reluctant to risk their vehicles stalling by forcing through the floods.