Nonpolluting 'becak'

Nonpolluting 'becak'

It is with dismay that I read recently of the war that has
been declared against becak (pedicab) drivers in Jakarta. Surely
the becak is the most inoffensive means of public transportation
on the streets of Jakarta. My dismay was compounded when within
days of the article was a front-page photo highlighting pollution
in Jakarta. Surely if any war is to be declared on the streets of
Jakarta it should be against the culprits who contribute the most
to the pollution, such as the poorly serviced, smoke-blowing
buses, taxis, cars and bajaj (three-wheeled motorized vehicle).

What the city needs if the pollution problem is to be
addressed is more becak, and less fuel consuming and polluting
vehicles! If the rationale for driving them off the streets is
because they create macet (traffic jams), then war should be
declared against private cars with sole occupants that clutter
the streets. Where I live there are no becak, but there is severe
macet and pollution from exhaust fumes.

Becak drivers are victims, of not only poverty, but also
misdirected anger.

FIONA P.

fiona@post.famili.com