Risky Trade

Cautious shopping takes on a new meaning at this market near a railroad crossing at Kebayoran Lama station in South Jakarta. Each afternoon, vendors spread out their wares only inches away from the 22 passengers trains and 16 cargo trains that pass by each day.
The market first appeared in the 1970s, when vendors from two neighboring traditional markets, Bata Putih and Kebayoran Lama markets, ventured onto unclaimed turf at the edges of the tracks.
After 30 years of dodging trains, cars and motorcycles, vendors are now reluctant to move from this treacherous market, where they are free from the competitve threats posed by supermarket and convenience store chains.