Bicycle taxi drivers pedal to get ahead
Leony Aurora, Jakarta
People coming out of the two great arched doors of Kota railway station in West Jakarta are first greeted by blue public minivans, with touts frantically screaming the destinations and ushering the passengers into the vehicles.
Further out, in the second lane of the road, orange bajaj (three-wheeled pedicabs) and their drivers wait patiently for passengers.
In between these two lines of vehicles, a row of bicycles stand ready to ferry passengers to the nearby Mangga Dua or Glodok shopping centers, or places father afield.
There were eleven bicycle taxis parked in front of the station when The Jakarta Post went there on Friday. At the sight of people exiting the station, the drivers wave their hands in an attempt to attract the attention of prospective passengers.
"My passengers are usually people on their own or who have a lot of stuff with them," says Basuki, 50, a bicycle taxi driver who originally comes from Kebumen, Central Java.
It takes him only 10 to 15 minutes to weave his way in and out of the chaotic traffic to Mangga Dua, famous for its electronic goods and textiles. "I get Rp 2,000 (22 US cents) per trip," said Basuki.
Working from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, Basuki earns up to Rp 40,000 a day to feed his family of seven children. "We also have a small kiosk in front of our house," he says.
Basuki used to work as an employee in an office, but likes riding his bicycle better because "at least I am free".
According to Basuki, there are only two places with bicycle taxi -- Kota railway station and Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the drivers are used to reporters looking for stories.
"No, no, talk to somebody else. I've been interviewed six times or something," said another driver whom the Post tried to talk to.
Salim, 59, said that he too had been interviewed many times, and, indeed, he told his story like a pro. "I used to be a farmer in Pandeglang (a district of West Java) before I came to Jakarta," he started.
He claimed to only be a "part-time" bicycle taxi driver, although he works every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. "I work as a security guard in a supermarket from midnight to 9 a.m.," he said.
"I can sleep at work, but not for too long as my supervisor might catch me."
The father of eight said that he had been ferrying people around on his bicycle for the last 14 years because he needed the extra money for his children. "I can get Rp 30,000 a day, enough for their pocket money."
Each day, he pedals for 1.5 hours from his house in Kalideres, West Jakarta, to Kota railway station and spends another 1.5 hours cycling back. "I'm healthier, and I save Rp 8,000 in bus fares," he said.
Salim takes pride in his bicycle, which he bought brand-new for Rp 75,000 when he started out in the business. "This is an original Chinese model, not like those ones produced in Tangerang.
"My bicycle can carry a load of up to 120 kilograms," said Salim proudly. "Mind you, it all depends on how quickly I'm able to pedal," he said with a big grin.