Motorized pedicabs still chug out a living in Medan

Motorized pedicabs still chug out a living in Medan

By Junardi Harahap

MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Simply built and not much to look
at, motorized pedicabs still fill an important role in the
transportation needs of residents of Medan. Found on the main
streets throughout the city, many of the vehicles do indeed date
back more than 40 years. But their days may be numbered.

"These motorized pedicabs started operations in the 1950s.
Thus, it could be said the model is behind the times,"
acknowledged driver Poniran, 42.

They are known for their loud roar audible from afar and
billowing exhaust fumes. For all their deficiencies, they remain
in demand because they are cheap. A driver charges Rp 1,500 for a
short-distance ride covering about one kilometer, and two or
three passengers can fit in the vehicle.

Poniran said that he was formerly a trader but became a driver
because business was slack.

"Actually I don't like being a motorized pedicab driver, but
economic pressures and household requirements have forced me to
do the work," he said. "If there was alternative work, I would
take that. It is stupid to be a motorized pedicab driver, but
never mind if there is no other work."

Japarin, who hails from Padang in West Sumatra, agreed with
his fellow driver.

"In fact, becoming a motorized pedicab driver is the most
stupid work but what else can we do? There is no other job and we
need money to buy food."

Most drivers rent the vehicles from the owners.

Daily rental is about Rp 7,000 and usually the vehicle must be
returned to the owner at the end of the day. In some instances
the vehicle is returned in a week's time. The rent is also paid
on a weekly basis, said Hasan Basri, 52.

"I don't work on Sundays. I am happy with it," he said.

Daily earnings of motorized pedicab drivers depend on a number
of factors, including a dose of luck.

"We earn between about Rp 25,000 and Rp 30,000 per day," Basri
said.

Amir Pohan, 60, said his daily income varied. He said he could
take home as little as Rp 10,000 on a slow day but Rp 30,000 when
business was brisk. Amir said his income was usually enough only
to get by, but foreign tourists always provide a windfall.

For long distances, the average fare is Rp 1,000/km.

"Yes, it is enough for food," Amir said. "Anyway, I must see
to it that it is enough."

His wife helps supplement the family's income by selling rice
cakes and fried delicacies from their home. Clearly, a pedicab
driver's income is not enough to make ends meet.

The vehicle is actually a motorbike modified by the owner as a
pedicab in order to make money. Maintenance of motorized pedicabs
is fairly simple and can be done by drivers themselves. Spare
parts are secondhand; drivers take care of small repairs with
major ones handled by the vehicle owners.

"Small repairs cost on average Rp 2,000. If the cost is higher
it will be the vehicle owners' responsibility," said Poniran.

The fuel for motorized pedicabs is a mixture of gasoline and
motor oil, which is available at shops specializing in providing
fuel for the vehicles. It costs Rp 1,500 a liter.

Sitompul, who sells such oil, said that before 1990, he could
sell 500 liters a day, earning Rp 750,000. Since early this year
his turnover has declined to 150 liters a day, yielding only Rp
225,000.

"The drop in sales is caused by the plan to remove motorized
pedicabs from Medan. Many drivers have changed to other jobs and
many of the vehicles have been sent to other areas to be used
there," he said.