Impact of Covid-19, Taxi Drivers in Batam Must Fasting or Reduce Food

TRIBUNBATAM.id, BATAM - The impact of Corona virus in Batam hit various sectors of the economy, including informal sector workers.

The punch was felt hard by taxi drivers and motorcycle riders, both online and conventional.

Covid-19 outbreak significantly affected their daily income.

A base motorcycle rider in Engku Putri region, Batam Center, Sofyan Hadi expressed his anxiety as a motorcycle rider with a non-permanent income.

Before Covid-19 outbreak, his job as a motorcycle rider was arguably more than enough for his family's daily needs.

He can even pay bills and installments on the motorbike that he works without arrears.

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However, when this outbreak arose, the situation became very difficult.

He outlines the kinds of costs that must be fulfilled every month as the head of family, namely the cost of food, school, electricity, water, home installments to motorcycles.

"Every month I can spend IDR 5 million just for bills, not including food," Sofyan said.

Currently, he is being frantically pursued by leasing parties who provide motorcycle loans.

This month, he was forced to be in arrears because he had no money at all.

The same is goes to Totok, a conventional taxi driver, who also stays in the same location.

He admitted confusion to meet the daily needs of his family at this time.

Totok has five children who demand to be supported by him.

"If you are young like you, there is no burden, go home and eat, sleep. We are the old people who are dizzy. Every day tens of thousands must be available at the table for eating," said Totok while giggling.

Sofyan added, out there are still many taxi drivers and motorcycle riders whose conditions are more alarming than theirs.

While pointing at the cars in front of sidewalks in Batam Center International Port lined up, Sofyan said, many taxi drivers were forced to fast or reduce their food portions to meet the needs of family.

"The thing is we also need capital here. Every day I have to shell out IDR 60 thousand for gasoline from house in Nongsa area. Not to mention traveling around carrying passengers, if it's quiet, might come up short," Totok added.

As taxi drivers and motorcycle taxis with relatively similar professional burdens, both of them expect the government to also pay attention to the welfare of small communities.

At the very least, some vital aspects of the lives of informal workers can be helped a little by the implementation of effective and targeted policies.

"For example, like the one-year credit delay policy from Jokowi, how is it going to continue until now? I am still being chased by the leasing party. Then the policy of eliminating electricity costs of 450 VA, how many people have 450 VA in electricity? get to us, "said Totok added his complaint.

Currently, taxi drivers in Batam Center area are only able to wait for the best solution from the government, both regarding the handling of Covid-19 outbreak, as well as efforts to overcome the economic impact it causes at the moment. (TRIBUNBATAM.id/Hening Sekar Utami)

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