The Life of a Pedicab Driver: Maintaining Tradition Amidst the Onslaught of Modernity
INDRAMAYU-JAYA NEWS.COM – In the heart of Indramayu Regency, a coastal city on the north coast of West Java, where the hustle and bustle of traffic never stops, there is one humble vehicle that continues to faithfully serve the community: the pedicab. With effort and sweat, the pedicab drivers continue to maintain this tradition, despite the constant challenges of economic and modernization.
The pedicab, once a symbol of Indonesian transportation, is now slowly being replaced by motorized vehicles. However, for some, the pedicab remains a favorite choice, especially for short distances. With its affordable fares, pedicab drivers like Dedi Kastro (50) remain enthusiastic about pedaling, while sharing stories of their daily struggles.
“From morning to night, we keep fighting. Sometimes we only get a little, but the important thing is that we can eat,” Dedi said with a smile to Jaya News.com on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Despite the hardships, they remain optimistic, because the pedicab is not just a means of income, but also part of their cultural heritage.
The government is also starting to take notice, with President Prabowo Subianto providing several assistance programs, including electric pedicabs to improve the welfare of pedicab drivers. Will pedicabs continue to thrive? Only time will tell, but the enthusiasm of pedicab drivers is commendable. **
(Wari)
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