SOUTH TANGERANG —-— That morning, Saryulis (38), affectionately known as Pak Ayus, stood for quite a while next to his motorcycle. Every now and then, his hand would brush against the seat, which was starting to look worn. It was that very motorcycle that had accompanied him as an online motorcycle taxi driver since 2019, ever since he first took to the streets to support his family.
It is also the motorcycle that is now in the service queue for the BerOJOL Program (Supporting Ojol Businesses and Vehicle Maintenance), organized by Dompet Dhuafa on Sunday (March 1, 2026) at the Lotte Grosir Ciputat area in South Tangerang.
“This is the motorcycle I’ve had since I first became an Ojol driver,” he said softly while chatting with the mechanic working on his bike.
In the past, maintenance was a routine he never skipped. Every two weeks, he performed light maintenance—changing the oil and checking the brakes—to ensure everything was safe. When he had many passengers and long trips, he would even make time to visit the repair shop once a week. Major repairs, meanwhile, were done whenever there were issues. Ayus always took care of them without delay.
However, things have changed. According to Ayus, the past few months have felt tougher than before. His only child is now in third grade. Education costs are rising. Meanwhile, household expenses never stop piling up.
Ayus has started holding back on spending money on maintenance. The last time he had major maintenance done was two years ago. As for minor maintenance, it’s been over five months since he last had it done. In fact, for a routine service, he usually has to spend between Rp300,000 and Rp500,000. For a major service, the cost can reach up to Rp1.2 million.
“If I have money, I’d rather transfer it home for my child and wife,” he said.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, his wife and child have returned to their hometown in Central Java. They live there, waiting for financial support from their father. Meanwhile, Pak Ayus continues to endure the harsh realities of life on the city streets, braving the heat, rain, and risk of accidents, all to ensure food remains on the table.
That day, during the BerOJOL Program, after being inspected by a mechanic, his motorcycle turned out to need major repairs.
Eka Anendar, the mechanic handling Mr. Ayus’s motorcycle, even had to call in several colleagues to help. Many of the issues found were quite serious. There is a possibility that if similar problems resurface after this service, the motorcycle will need a complete engine overhaul.
“An oil change is definitely needed. The brake pads are worn out, the throttle is very stiff, and there are electrical issues as well,” explained Eka while pointing to several parts of the motorcycle that needed repair.
Mr. Ayus listened intently. Every now and then he nodded, as if agreeing with everything he had been complaining about but hadn’t had the chance to do.
The BerOJOL program was the answer to his concerns. Especially since he had already planned to return to his hometown in Pemalang using that motorcycle.
“Usually, I leave two days before the holiday. By motorcycle. The trip takes 7–8 hours. I usually get it serviced before heading home. Alhamdulillah, they found what was wrong. When I get home, I’ll just have it checked again,” he added with a relieved smile, looking much calmer.
After the motorcycle service was completed, Pak Ayus was directed to report to Dompet Dhuafa. There, he received a gift of fitrah zakat rice as an additional form of support for performing his religious duties during this holy month of Ramadan. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika