Jakarta starts gathering data on becak drivers

DKI JAKARTA - JAKARTA. The city administration has started gathering data and distributing special stickers to 180 becak (pedicab) drivers in Pejagalan, Penjaringan, North Jakarta, in an attempt to legalize the vehicles in the capital as stipulated by Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan.

“The activity aims at organizing becak drivers that operate in Pejagalan area,” Pejagalan subdistrict head Yogara Fernandes said on Thursday as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

Yogara added the administration had gathered the data of 95 percent of becak driver in the area and hoped to complete collecting data soon. Echoing the statement of Anies, Yogara said the becak were still needed by residents, especially housewives, to go to and from the traditional markets.

Furthermore, the city administration will inform the drivers about the regulation that prohibits them from entering thoroughfares. Yogara said the city administration was still formulating new regulations about the becak's operation.

Many have considered Anies’ decision to return becak to the streets as a setback after the vehicles had been banned from operating in the city for years.

Becak were banned under the administration of late governor Wiyogo Atmodarminto, who served from 1987 to 1992, as they were considered to cause traffic congestion.