Becak Drivers in Cirebon Receive Rp 1.4 Million Compensation for Temporary Work Ban
WEST Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has instructed minibus, cart, and becak drivers to cease operations temporarily during the 2026 Eid holiday period. The measure aims to reduce traffic congestion across West Java.
However, drivers will receive compensation of up to Rp 1.4 million. “A total of 5,000 minibus, becak, and cart drivers will receive compensation of Rp 1.4 million per person,” he said, as quoted from the West Java Public Relations Office statement on Saturday, 14 March 2026.
The compensation funds were distributed beginning Thursday, 12 March 2026. The total provincial government budget allocated for the compensation reached Rp 6.9 billion.
Among the recipients are 20 becak drivers who typically operate at Pasar Minggu in Cirebon Regency. Taslim, one of the becak drivers in the area, expressed satisfaction with the compensation he received on Saturday, 14 March 2026. “We are 20 people receiving compensation from the Governor. This is the first year we’ve received this,” he said, as quoted from the official statement.
Taslim stated that he is prepared to comply with the policy by taking leave from work temporarily during the seven days before and seven days after Eid, or for 14 days total, without transporting passengers in the Pasar Baru area of Cirebon Regency. “We will comply because we have already received the compensation. The money will be used to pay alms and buy clothes for my children,” he said.
Taslim noted that the compensation provided by the West Java provincial government exceeds his typical earnings. He stated that he usually earns an average of Rp 50,000 per day, and on quiet days he earns nothing at all.
According to the statement, Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi commended the West Java provincial government’s policy for facilitating smooth Eid holiday travel flows in the region. “Beyond facilitating traffic flow, this also assists becak drivers to prepare for Eid. I urge other regions to adopt the approach of the West Java Governor,” he said.
Dudy also appealed to coin sweepers operating in the busy Pantura Kali Sewo area to cease their activities. Such operations, he noted, are dangerous to the workers themselves and pose safety risks to passing motorists. He also assured that the West Java Pantura route would remain smooth and safe for travel.