Pedicabs allowed to grace city's streets once again

JAKARTA (JP): After 10 years of being banned from operating in the capital, becak (pedicabs) are once again allowed to ply Jakarta's streets, Governor Sutiyoso said yesterday.

They will not, however, be allowed on main roads.

The decision, effective as of yesterday, was taken by the administration in an attempt to provide easy and inexpensive transportation to commuters and to provide job opportunities for many people, the governor told the media.

"Should I restrict them from making money for living during such an economic crisis?

"I think that for the time being, I should not be too strict with pedicab drivers as long as they do not disturb security and order," Sutiyoso said.

He did not disclose whether the easing of the ban would be stipulated in a decree.

He, however, reminded all pedicabs drivers that the revocation of the ban against their presence in the city was only temporary.

The ban would be reinstated after the country's economy recovers, the governor said.

According to Toha Reno from the City Public Order Office, a growing number of pedicabs have been operating in several suburban areas, such as Jembatan Dua, Jembatan Lima and Cengkareng in West Jakarta, Bintaro in South Jakarta and Kalimalang in East Jakarta.

Pedicabs were prohibited in the city in 1988 based on a city ordinance which stated that the man-powered vehicle was not a transportation system.

While many drivers seemingly ignored the regulation, the authorities in the following year carried out a massive operation to implement the ordinance.

Hundreds of pedicabs were netted and their drivers sent back to their hometowns. There were reportedly serious clashes between pedicab drivers and law and order officers during the crackdown.

Some residents, particularly those in housing complexes, criticized the ban, saying they totally relied upon pedicabs for short-distance errands.

Inhumane

The ban on pedicabs in the capital was first introduced in 1972 by the city administration because many saw the job as inhumane.

But initial attempts to forcibly remove pedicabs from the city ended unsuccessfully due to unexpected vigorous resistance by the drivers.

Since the 1989 crackdown, pedicabs were only seen at a few housing complexes on the outskirts of Jakarta, such as in Tangerang and Bekasi.

The ongoing crisis, which has led to skyrocketing prices of essentials, has prompted pedicab drivers to double their fares.

For a 500-meter trip, for example, pedicab drivers in Bumi Kelapa Dua housing complex in Curug, Tangerang, now charge Rp 1,000 (7 U.S. cents) from a previous fare of Rp 500.

A pedicab can only carry two adults.

Sutiyoso acknowledged yesterday that other parties might object to his latest decision.

"I know there are also complaints about pedicabs contributing to the city's traffic disorder," he said.

But he said the concerns would hopefully be needless as pedicabs would be banned from the city's main thoroughfares.

Sutiyoso's decision to temporarily allow pedicabs to operate in the city again drew mixed reactions from councilors.

Secretary of Commission D for development Saud Rahman opposed the policy, saying that the governor's leniency showed an inconsistency.

"The governor should be consistent so that legal certainty is created. Tolerating pedicabs again will again create chaotic traffic, which has been pretty good lately," he said.

Saud also said he could not accept Sutiyoso's reason of humanity to justify his decision.

"Such justification can also be used for bad actions, like stealing," he said.

However, secretary of Commission E for social welfare, Agus Waluyo, said he could fully understand the decision taken by the governor, who was in a dilemma.

"The governor's decision is wise. On one side, he should keep the regulation, but on the other hand he should also understand the difficulties faced by people in this time of financial crisis," he said. (ind)