Abstract:
This research aims to understand why an individual chooses to
become "Pak Ogah" in Panakkukang District, Makassar, and identify
the social, economic, and structural factors that drive this decision.
The urgency of this research lies in the need to design effective and
inclusive policies to overcome the social and economic challenges
faced by local communities. The method used in this research is
qualitative, with a case study approach involving in-depth
interviews and data analysis using Nvivo 12 Plus. Research findings
show that limited education, lack of opportunities in the formal
sector, and the attraction of time flexibility and disorganization in
the informal sector are the main factors that encourage individuals
to choose to become "Pak Ogah." Apart from that, additional factors
such as the need to help the family economically, meeting personal
needs, regular income, and the minimal need for expertise and
significant capital also play an essential role. The proposed adaptive
policy recommendations include improving traffic infrastructure,
training and empowering local communities, and developing
inclusive economic policies. Training programs to integrate "Pak
Ogah" into the formal system as official traffic controllers can
improve the quality of traffic regulation and provide more stable
employment opportunities. Support in the form of skills training,
providing business capital, and access to education is also essential
to create better job opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Collaboration between the government, community institutions,
and the private sector is needed to create long-term solutions that
support prosperity and employment opportunities for all levels of
society.
