My Journey of Mobility: 14 Years as a Researcher in Indonesia

After working for 14 years as a researcher in multiple companies—including an oil palm research institute and a forestry company in Indonesia—I’ve had my fair share of experiences with different modes of transportation. Living in a country where traffic can be unpredictable, owning the right vehicle matters. Over the years, my rides have evolved based on needs, budget, and practicality.

Here’s a look at my journey:

1. Public Transport ("Angkot") – The Humble Beginning (Early Career)

Fresh into the workforce, I relied on angkot (public minivans) for a year. It was cheap and got me where I needed to go, but the lack of flexibility and long waiting times made me realize I needed my own ride.

Doc: www.pekanbaru.go.id

2. Honda Beat 2006 – First Taste of Freedom (2014-2016)

My first motorcycle! The Honda Beat was reliable, fuel-efficient, and perfect for navigating busy city traffic. Its compact size made filtering through jams easy, and it served me well for two years.

Honda beat 2006

3. Yamaha Mio Soul 2007 – Shared Ride (2016-2024)

As I got married, my wife brought in her Yamaha Mio Soul, our share ride. It was smooth, comfortable, and became our go-to for daily commutes. Even after years of use, it never let us down.

4. Honda Vario 2010 – Upgrading Convenience (2020-Present)

As work demands grew, I wanted something more modern. The Honda Vario 2010 (bought used) offered better performance and storage. Its automatic transmission made city riding effortless, and it’s still my trusted ride today.

5. Polytron Fox R – Trying Something New (2024-Present)

Recently, I decided to try an electric scooter—the Polytron Fox R. It’s quiet, eco-friendly, and surprisingly zippy. Charging is cheap, and it’s perfect for short trips around town.

6. Honda Jazz/Fit VTEC 2008 – The Family Upgrade (2021-Present)

With family needs increasing, I finally got a car—a used Honda Jazz (known as Fit in some markets). The VTEC engine is peppy, the cabin is spacious, and it’s been a reliable companion for weekend trips and rainy days. My sons always love to ride our family hatchback car.

7. Housing – Still Renting (Company-Provided)

Despite years of work, I don’t own a house yet. My company provides housing (though it’s not mine), which has been convenient but makes me think about future investments.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, my rides reflect my career progression—from public transport to owning a car. In Indonesia’s traffic-heavy cities, two-wheelers remain the most practical choice, but having a car adds comfort for family needs.

Would I change anything? Maybe invest in property sooner. But for now, I’m grateful for the mobility I’ve achieved—one ride at a time.

What about you? How has your transportation journey evolved over the years? Let me know in the comments!