Earning Money

Indonesia does not have food stamps, government provided housing, utility vouchers, etc. for the poor.  They are pretty much on their own and those who choose to be charitable.  They find many different ways to make money.  There are many food vendors with small carts, people walking between cars in the stopped traffic selling water and snacks, people standing at busy intersections stopping traffic so cars can pull onto the road, little children (Abby's age) walking from car to car in stopped traffic begging, etc.

Something I have never seen in the states is people with motorcycles lined up at bus stops offering rides to those that still have blocks to walk to home or work.

Because the traffic is so bad, there are sections of the city that at certain times of the morning and evening you will get a ticket if you don’t have at least 2 or 3 individuals in your vehicle.  So people stand on the side of the street with their hand out offering to ride through that section of town for the equivalent of around $2-3.  Many of these individuals (see the pictures below) are mothers holding a small child in their arms.