Becak

Becak (pedicab) is a small-scale local means of transport; it is also known by a variety of other names such as pedicab, cyclo, or trishaw. Becak (is bahasa Hokkien: be chia "kereta kuda"). Becaks are human-powered, a type of tricycle designed to carry pasengers in addition to the driver. They are often used on a for hire basis. Becaks are widely used in major cities around the world, but most commonly in cities of South, Southeast and East Asia.

In Indonesia generally there are two types of becak;
Rear drive becak. Mostly this type of becak is available in Java.
Front drive becak. Mostly this type of becak is available in Sumatra.
For this type is grouped into two sub-groups, they are:
1. Becak kayuh – that is used bicycle as steering wheel
2. Becak with engine – that is used motor cycle as a power
In special occasion becaks are part of the ceremony. For example in the Indonesia independence day becaks are raced in the beautiful of its accessory, speed driving, attraction (some times are danger like driving on its two wheels), moving around shop and others.
In all towns of Indonesia becak is available very easily and common. The only town in Indonesia that officially prohibit operate becak is Jakarta. In 1980s Jakarta prohibit operate becak as a in town transportation because becak often causes mayor traffic problem. Becaks which human-power is slow move. Beside it was regard as a human exploitation on others.
However, in other towns in Indonesia becak is a popular mini multi-purpose transportation unit. Becak is not only used as human transportation but also for goods, even daily temporary living. The becak driver who comes from a remote with income under Rp. 15.000 (daily average/month) is hard to hire a house for living. Many of them left their family remain stay in their home town. Generally becak drivers are farmers. At the time they are waiting for harvesting, they go to town change their profession as becak drivers. Under such condition they use their becaks as emergent accommodation.
Becak is also a good for political campaign at rural area. Such as put a certain attribute of political party or a product on its seat or roof which is made of cotton material. In the developed country becak has already engine powered and elegant designed. In some towns in Indonesia becak was engine powered as well but the performance is still origin.

Suparto has assebled simple modified becak by setting a 5 to 6 HP engine under the driver seat. He sells this modified becak (Indonesia) Rp. 3,500,000 / unit, on the road. He can assemble 20 of modified becak a month. He said that during the last three years he managed to sell 70 units. According to Sardi, his consumer, there are many advantages of this modification, eg the traveled distance is longer, the speed of 3-4 times faster then the human-power becak, more capacity of passengers or goods can be driven and certainly do not rely on his leg strength.
Of being so many becaks in town many traffic problems are arise included air pollution. This issue causes pro and contra for its existence in many towns. However, becak remains number one local transportation in many cities in Indonesia. Becak is also the easiest way to get jobs for people with lower education.