The Story Of My Business Journey - Part #3 (Go to Jakarta)

In the previous article, I told you about a small town that became the destination when I went to wander/migration.

My first place of migration was the Pandeglang area of Banten, West Java. For those of you who have not read the previous story, please click here: THE STORY OF MY BUSINESS JOURNEY - Part #2 (Selling DVDs in Banten, West Java)

These early days of wandering were tough struggles. There are so many problems and obstacles that I have to face.

My most felt obstacle was financial problems (lack of business capital).

Besides that, I also lack other skills. One of them is the ability to communicate (talk). This means that I am not good at lobbying others. Understandably, when I was migrated for the first time, so still many skills that I did not have. (newbie).

Indeed, one of the most striking characteristics of people who have just left wander is not yet proficient at communicating with others (public speaking).

So, what is the relationship between communication skills and financial strength with the wander/immigrant?

For a wander/immigrant, this communication skill is crucial. Because these communication skills will be needed to lobby people who have the authority (at the location we trade). Examples: such as market managers, local government apparatus, etc. While financial strength is a vital function. Because if someone has a lot of money, then the 'business affairs' become easier.

Do you understand my explanation above? 😁

If you happen to come from Asia (especially Southeast Asia), I'm sure you understand what I mean.

That is, in my country unfair practices between public officials and people who have individual interests are things that are commonplace. As I told you in the article series 2 (part ago), that there still many collusion practices (read: bribery) between officials and people who happen to have money and are good at lobbying.

And 'unfortunately' my fate, because of my lobbying skills and financial strength I don't have at that time. 😬

So, that was what triggered me to leave that Pandeglang market immediately.

If you have read the article series section # 2, do you still remember the sentence in the paragraph at the end of the article?

The sentence was written: "And finally, there was an incident which eventually triggered me to decide to go (Hijrah) to Jakarta."

"What is the trigger?"

Other Exciting Articles: WANDERING TO THE CITY OF PADANG (My Story)

Now I will tell you.

The trigger is:

Because my stall was demolished and the practice was unfair (bribery) in that Pandeglang market.

Flashback for a while.

In the previous story, I told you, that in the Pandeglang market there is often curbing of street vendors. Usually, the control is done every 4 - 6 months.

When control is carried out, all street vendors (who are on the side of the highway) must be moved to a particular location. (usually located behind the market, so it is less strategic to trade).

Usually, every time there is control, my stall is always safe (not subject to curbing). The reason is that the position of my booth is inside the alley, not on the side of the road. And the aisle is not included as a location that must be disciplined.

But one day there was a massive overhaul of that market. This time the order for curbing was lowered by the mayor. This means that this control is of enormous power so that the traders who are on the edge of the highway and in a small road (alley) must all be disciplined.

The location of the shelter for all the street vendors remains in the same shade (as before, which is in behind the market).

Well, this is where I began to realize that there was a lot of intrigue in that Pandeglang market.

What are these intrigues?

As I mentioned earlier, only people who have financial strength, and are good at lobbying who will get strategic stalls (in that shelter). How did that happen? See the following explanation:

That street vendor shelter is in the form of a table arranged neatly and elongated. In each table lined up, there is a space 2 meters wide that serves to enter people or a connecting road in the shelter.

Well, of course, the most strategic stall location is near the entrance (from the market direction). While the very back near the dead end is a 'dead stall.'

This is where the conspiracy happens.

Only people who are wealthy and have close acquaintances with market managers alone have an excellent opportunity to get the location of the strategic stalls. 

Whereas for those who have no money and no acquaintance of 'insiders' to lobby? Yeah! I am forced to accept the unfortunate fate of getting the 'dead stall.'

And incidentally, I was one of that unfortunate person wkwkwkwkwk 😅

Maybe you will ask me: "How do you think is a fair stall distribution Mr. Izal?"

Hmmm,,,,, in my opinion, a fair way should be by way of lottery.

I mean, every stall is numbered. Then all the names of the street vendors are written on a piece of paper (which has been rolled in small sizes). Then all the paper rolls were inserted into a large bottle (on the part of the bottle cap was given a small hole). After that, the bottle is shaken-shake so that the paper roll can come out of the hole.

So, the name in the paper that comes out on the first whisk that means he gets the stall number 1. Rolls the paper that comes out in the second whisk, then he will get the number 2 stall, and so on.

The lottery process above must be witnessed by all the traders so that it can take place honestly and fairly.

That's the fairest way.

What is the reason?

Because the control was not the intention of traders to move to the location of the shelter, the transfer was based on a policy issued by the regional government.

So the local government should determine the way to distribute stalls that are fair and try to close all gaps for the relevant officials who want to abuse their authority (cooperation with the wealthy traders).

That is what should be a fairer and ideal way.

But unfortunately, the power of money is more powerful in that market than justice and honesty. It was only then that I realized that the world, in reality, was very hard.

Finally, I was forced to accept that 'dead stall.' It can't be helped, because to do conspiracy I don't have much money. And I also don't have 'an insider' for me lobby.

I had survived for three months trading in that 'dead stall.'

But after entering the fourth month, I began to think about moving to another city. I feel there's no point in surviving in that Pandeglang market. Because since the curbing of the street vendor on a large scale, my turnover has declined dramatically.

In a day, only 5 DVDs are sold. Even often not sold at all!

Other Exciting Articles: YOU WANT TO SUCCEED? TRY TO GO WANDER!

Finally, I began to think of an idea in my mind to survey to Jakarta.

Why at that time did I choose Jakarta as the destination for the move?

One reason is that Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia. Of course, the center of trade and the economy is centered there. And I felt it was time for me to go up 'the ranks' by going to wander alone  (not joining my uncle again in the city of that Pandeglang).

Also, I have also conducted a survey of DVD traders in the city of Jakarta. It turns out that the prospect of trading DVDs in Jakarta is far more promising than trading in the town of Pandeglang. I see the average DVD chip trader in Jakarta is very crowded with buyers.

This is not surprising, because as I said above, Jakarta is the center of the capital of Indonesia, so it is natural that its purchasing power is high.

A new problem when at the beginning of moving to Jakarta.

Long story short, I finally moved to Jakarta. 

All DVDs, TVs and various other trading equipment I take it to Jakarta.

After I arrived in Jakarta, is everything went straight away smoothly? NOT YET!! The fight is still long, friend! 💪😁.

I experienced a variety of new problems when I arrived in Jakarta.

These problems include:

I am still confused about what to do, what steps I have to take, and where to start!

This problem is a classic problem that is common to all new migrants.

The biggest problem I experienced (when I arrived in Jakarta) was the difficulty of getting stalls. The fact that I have to face is, it is also not easy to get stalls to sell in Jakarta.

On average, stall in the Jakarta market has been filled with traders. Even if I want to play with the 'insiders' in the market (to get stalls), then I have to provide quite a lot of money. Whereas at that time I didn't have money hehehe 😁

But I tried not to despair and kept trying to find a stall that was still empty. I traveled from one market to another. But it turns out that there are no stalls that can be obtained 'for free.' This means that if you want to get a stall on the market of Jakarta, you must deal with 'insiders.' 

The point is I will only be able to get a stall if I have money!

Other Interesting Articles: MY BUSINESS JOURNEY IS LIKE DAVID VERSUS GOLIATH

Get a solution.

After three months of going around, one day I rested at a stop on the side of the road (while pensive).

When I was thinking about what other steps I should take, suddenly I was called by someone.

He is iwan. He is one of my friends at my boarding house.

At that time he was on his way to the night market (to trade. When he was walking, he happened to see and reprimand me).

"Hey, izal, why you ponder here?" He asked.

"Eh, you are apparently. I am confused, where should I look for stall again? I have been looking around in the markets for three months, but there are no empty stalls."

The iwan immediately replied: "Why you have confused Zal ?! You can go trade to the night market with me. About the kiosk, let me take care of it. I 'know' the chairman of that night market very well! 

Don't worry about that!" 

Hearing that Iwan's words, I was like a thirsty traveler and suddenly found an oasis!

My feelings were immediately relieved and filled with new hope!

Since then my new adventure began, namely trading at the night market.

How is the story? Look forward to article part #4 which I will write.

I am coming soon!

UPDATE! The fourth article has been published, please see HERE