Coffee, sewing and repairs: Indonesia's mobile vendors offer at-home services

Travelling vendors, or 'jasa keliling', who zip about on bicycles or motorbikes have long been a mainstay in Indonesia.

- Aqil Hamzah

Amid the delighted shrieks of children playing catch on a hot weekday afternoon in a narrow alleyway in North Jakarta, one man perches on his bicycle seat, unperturbed by the noise, absorbed in his task.

Holding a torn garment in one hand, Mr Subhan, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, rifles through coloured spools of thread and eventually settles on dark blue. Next, he sets up his sewing machine, working the pedal with one foot while sitting down.

In mere minutes, the dress is as good as new and back with its owner, who strolls home a few metres away with her young son in tow, as Mr Subhan turns his attention to the other half a dozen women chit-chatting while waiting their turn.

For over 10 years, the 44-year-old tailor-on-wheels has been a regular fixture in the suburban neighbourhoods to the north of the capital city, pedalling around on his trusty bicycle, offering mending and alteration services to residents.

The mobile service vendors known as "jasa keliling", who zip about on bicycles or motorbikes - often with phone numbers displayed on the back of their two-wheelers - are a common and welcome sight throughout the archipelago.

On a typical day, these familiar figures can be seen on the city streets, weaving in and out of traffic, laden with flower bouquets, fancy photo frames, kitchen utensils galore and even lending libraries.

Besides cooked food staples like mie bakso and fritters, or fresh fruits and vegetables, mobile vendors serve up a plethora of at-home services ranging from beauty treatments to home repairs.

You could enjoy a massage and manicure, check your blood pressure, get your knives sharpened and coffee beans ground - all on the same day, and in your home or at your doorstep. Or book a cook, who will arrive at your doorstep ready to whip up some meals.