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Jakarta to see operation of motorized pedicabs
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Becak drivers are seen in Bandengan, North Jakarta on Jan. 26, following Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan’s decision to allow the vehicles to operate in the city. (kompas.com/Andreas Lukas Altobeli)
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akartans can expect to see a new mode of transportation in the near future, as Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno has said he would soon announce the design of the motorized becak (pedicab).
Known as bentor (short for becak motor) in several cities throughout the archipelago, the modified design of the motor-powered pedicabs would differ from what had been known, Sandiaga said.
“Many corporations are interested in motorized becak, it is a sustainable mode of transportation,” he said at City Hall on Monday.
He said around 500 becak in North Jakarta would be converted into the motorized ones. The program is only valid for becak already existing in Jakarta, to make sure that the number of the vehicles in the capital city does not increase.
Sandiaga said he was optimistic the program would not exacerbate Jakarta's traffic jams, he even claimed the program would reduce emissions in Jakarta.
Previously, Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan said he would allow becaks to operate again in Jakarta. He said the three-wheeled vehicles could be an environmentally friendly transportation option. Anies promised to regulate becak by limiting their number and operational area. Becak were only allowed to operate in residential areas and in tourist spots.
The idea soon became a controversial issue. Former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso said regulating becak was exceptionally difficult, as it could attract becak drivers from out of town to Jakarta. (gis)
