Transport Department Responds to Motorized Rickshaw Drivers' Request for Access During Malioboro Pedestrianisation
A number of motorised rickshaw (bentor) drivers have voiced protests, requesting leniency regarding the plan to implement 24-hour full pedestrianisation in Malioboro starting this November. This is the response from the Yogyakarta Special Region Transport Department (Dishub DIY).
During a visit to the Dishub DIY office yesterday, the bentor drivers requested that the government continue to allow motorised rickshaws to operate in Malioboro until all drivers have secured replacement vehicles. The Head of Dishub DIY, Chrestina Erni Widaystuti, stated that the drivers’ grievances would be presented to the DIY Regional Government officials.
“Regarding the aspiration that we would like half of the road to remain in use, we will communicate this,” said Erni at the Dishub DIY office on Thursday (30/07/2026). “We will convey your aspirations so that there is a policy that sides with the needs of the drivers on the ground.”
Previously, the Chairman of the Yogyakarta Motorised Rickshaw Association (PBMY), Parmin, stated that the group supports the government’s plan to develop Malioboro into a full pedestrian zone. However, he expressed hope that the policy would be accompanied by solutions for bentor drivers who rely on Malioboro for their income.
“There is no issue. We support full pedestrianisation for the sake of achieving the government’s programme. But do not sacrifice us,” he told journalists at the Dishub DIY office on Thursday (30/07/2026).
Parmin requested that the government continue to allow bentor to operate in Malioboro until all drivers have received replacement vehicles. “As long as our colleagues have not received electric rickshaw (betrik) assistance from the government, please allow our friends to earn a living along the pedestrian route. Do not just close it off arbitrarily,” he said.
PBMY also requested that access to several side streets or ‘ribs’ of Malioboro not be completely closed during Car Free Day (CFD) implementation. Parmin hopes that at least half of the road remains usable so that bentor can still pass through. “What we are asking for is that for one week, half of the road should not be closed,” Parmin said during an oration before the crowd.
According to Parmin, closing access on weekends directly impacts the income of bentor drivers, noting that Saturdays and Sundays are when tourist numbers are at their highest. “Saturday and Sunday have many guests. If it is closed, it clearly disadvantages our motorised rickshaw friends,” he said.
He noted that bentor drivers earn an average of approximately Rp 100,000 per day under normal conditions, with an estimated 900 units operating in the Malioboro area. Parmin also raised concerns regarding the condition of the electric rickshaws provided by the government. He revealed that out of approximately 80 units distributed, nearly half are already damaged. “Only about 80 have been received. It turns out many are broken. About 40 to 50 units are damaged; the motors cannot be used,” he disclosed.
He hopes the government will not force the implementation of full pedestrianisation before the process of replacing bentors with electric rickshaws is fully completed and the vehicles already distributed are confirmed to be in good working order.