Without Compensation, Becak Operators Continue to Work on North Coast Road
A number of becak operators on the north coast road in Cirebon continue to operate along the route, claiming they persist because they have not received compensation.
Mukidi, 52, a becak operator, was seen waiting for passengers in front of Pasar Plered market in Cirebon Regency on Monday (16 March). Mukidi, a resident of Watubelah in Cirebon Regency, was waiting for passengers in his becak, which was parked on the road shoulder without obstructing the asphalt surface. “I haven’t received any compensation money. So I’m still pulling the becak. If I had received it, I wouldn’t pull anymore,” Mukidi said.
On Saturday (14 March), West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi presented compensation to becak operators totalling 1.4 million rupiah per person at Gempol Police Station in Cirebon Regency. Recipients of the compensation were asked to rest temporarily during the mudik and return traffic periods, specifically from seven days before until seven days after the peak exodus. The compensation was provided because becaks on the north coast road frequently contribute to traffic congestion and jams during the mudik period.
In Cirebon Regency, according to data from the local Transportation Department, a total of 557 becak operators received this assistance. These are the operators registered as working on the north coast road.
However, Mukidi, who has been pulling a becak for 25 years at the same market, claims he has never once received the government compensation to refrain from operating during the mudik period. “But I don’t dare take passengers there,” Mukidi said, pointing across the road or to the return traffic lane. He only takes passengers to residential areas behind the market without crossing to the main road.
Even during peak mudik when several U-turns are closed, Mukidi said he would operate on the opposing lane or return traffic lane. “When the turnarounds are closed, I’ll move over there,” said Mukidi, a father of five whose children include some still in school.
Similar sentiments were expressed by Miskad, 46, another becak operator. “From the beginning, I’ve never once received that compensation money,” Miskad said. Yet he too operates on the north coast road and has always hoped to receive compensation. “I’d also like a day off sometimes. But if I don’t work now, where will money for food come from,” Miskad said.
Both Mukidi and Miskad said their daily earnings range from 30,000 to 40,000 rupiah. “Times are hard now; many people bring motorcycles to the market,” they both said. Fortunately, the becaks they use to earn their living are their own property.
Not only do some becak operators wait on the road shoulder, but several are also seen going against traffic. After dropping off passengers, they are seen leaving the Batik Trusmi gate and moving in the opposite direction towards the front of Pasar Plered to resume waiting for passengers.