B

ecak (pedicab) drivers across Jakarta are seeking help from the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) to mediate a meeting with Governor Basuki '€œAhok'€ Tjahaja Purnama that seeks to find a win-win solution for the total ban of becak in the capital.

Three-wheeled becak have been banned since 2007 under Bylaw No. 8/2007 on public order. Hundreds of becak have been confiscated by the authorities since the issuance of the bylaw, leaving most of the drivers without jobs.

'€œWe asked the commission to mediate a meeting between becak drivers and Ahok. The commission has agreed to send a letter to Ahok to realize the meeting. Hopefully the meeting will be held this week,'€ Rasdullah, a coordinator for becak drivers in Jakarta, said on Tuesday.

The drivers also asked the commission to ask Ahok to temporarily stop cracking down on becak in the capital while the two parties meet and discuss possible solutions to the matter, he said.

Rasdullah said recently that hundreds of becak drivers were left jobless after their becaks were confiscated.

He said the drivers were only asking that the bylaw be revised to give becak room to operate in particular parts of the city such as small alleys, traditional markets and within residential areas.

Ahok said last Thursday that he would not change the bylaw because it had been issued a long time ago, suggesting that the drivers look for different jobs themselves without the help of the administration.