Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The electric pedicab (becak listrik) assistance program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto in Malang City was intended to improve the welfare of traditional pedicab drivers. However, many recipients continue to face minimal income, prompting the Malang City Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) to push the Malang City Government (Pemkot Malang) to create a supportive economic ecosystem.
Commission D Member of DPRD Kota Malang, Suryadi SPd MM, highlighted that the situation requires serious evaluation by local authorities. According to him, providing vehicles alone is insufficient to truly enhance drivers’ livelihoods.
“The Malang City Government needs to prepare clear technical regulations so the electric becak program can operate optimally. This includes setting tariffs, operational routes, parking zones, driving safety standards, and integration with the city’s transportation system,” Suryadi stressed.
He emphasized that such regulations are essential to prevent the program from becoming merely symbolic. The presence of electric becaks must genuinely serve as a decent source of income for operators.
“We also advocate for ongoing guidance for electric pedicab drivers. Relevant agencies such as the Transportation Agency (Dishub), Social Affairs, Women’s Empowerment, Child Protection, and Family Planning Agency (Dinsos P3AP2KB), and the Cooperatives, SMEs, and Trade Agency (Diskopindag) must collaborate,” he added.
This guidance should include accurate data collection, regular mentoring, and institutional strengthening through cooperatives or associations. This way, drivers would no longer operate individually but have a platform to advocate for their rights.
“Pemkot Malang must also foster a healthy economic ecosystem, ensuring clear passenger markets. For example, positioning electric becaks in strategic zones like tourist areas, city squares, stations, markets, and campus vicinities,” Suryadi explained.
Additionally, electric becaks could be integrated into city tourism concepts and eco-friendly transportation initiatives. Providing charging facilities and promoting them to tourists is deemed crucial, positioning electric becaks as an icon of green transport.
“The government could offer tourism service training, financial management mentoring, and collaborations with the tourism sector and MSMEs. If empowerment is taken seriously, this aid will genuinely improve becak drivers’ welfare and strengthen Malang’s grassroots economy,” he concluded.
Previously, widespread reports highlighted the plight of electric becak drivers earning only Rp15,000 over three days. Despite receiving the presidential assistance, driver Bambang admitted his economic situation remains dire.
“Our income is unpredictable. Sometimes there’s no passenger all day, and recently, in three days, I only had one passenger,” he revealed.
Bambang noted that the electric becak from President Prabowo was expected to boost earnings significantly. However, few people opt to ride them.
“Even when parking near the station, it’s the same. Many prefer online motorcycles because the fares are cheaper and clearer,” he added.
Due to low earnings, Bambang and some colleagues rarely return home and often rely on food aid, groceries, or envelopes from others to survive.
“We just give thanks. Alhamdulillah, even with little income, at least I’m not resorting to theft,” he said firmly.
The program, which distributed 200 electric becaks in Malang in January 2026 (with plans for continuation in 2026-2027), aimed to support vulnerable groups like elderly drivers and promote sustainable tourism. However, DPRD’s call underscores the need for comprehensive follow-up to realize its full potential. (bas/rhd)
