The becak, aka bicycle taxis or rickshaws, were once a regular feature on the streets of Jakarta but now only operate discreetly in certain pockets of the city that are relatively untouched by law enforcement since they were outlawed in 2007 as a measure to reduce traffic congestion.
And now, more than 10 years after the ban, becaks are set to hit the capital’s streets once again, as Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan is making good on his campaign promise to lift the ban and allow becaks to operate on special routes.
“For becak drivers, this is your chance to find prosperity in this city,” Anies said yesterday, as quoted by Tempo.
Anies did not yet have the specifics as to where in the capital the three-wheeled bicycle-carts would be allowed, but presumably they will be transporting passengers on routes with relatively few motorized vehicles so as not to disrupt traffic flow. During the ban, becak drivers have mostly stuck to narrow alleyways.
The governor said the lifting of the ban will be carried out imminently.
Becaks were officially outlawed under a Regional Decree on Public Order in 2007 passed by then-Governor Sutiyoso.
Becak drivers have since repeatedly decried the ban as discriminatory towards their rights, with former Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama’s administration carrying out their legal obligation to forcefully confiscate becaks found operating in the city.
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