Pedicabs allowed to grace city's streets once again

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)