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Indonesia launches electric 'becak' to boost tourism and community economy

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Indonesia's Finance Minister and the Sultan of Yogyakarta launched an electric version of the traditional "becak" tourist tricycle, called Bekalista.
  • The initiative aims to empower the local community through electrification, preserving tradition while embracing progress and environmental friendliness.
  • The program includes 80 beneficiaries, charging stations, mobile workshops, and local employment in manufacturing and assembly.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – A new era of eco-friendly tourism transport has dawned in Yogyakarta with the launch of the "Bekalista," an electric-powered version of the city's iconic becak (pedicab). The initiative, introduced by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and the Sultan of Yogyakarta, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, aims to blend tradition with modern, sustainable technology.

During the launch at Alun-Alun Kidul, Minister Purbaya highlighted the Bekalista as a model for community economic empowerment through electrification. "Tradition should not hinder progress, but provide direction so that progress does not lose its identity," he stated, emphasizing that electrifying the becak will help preserve this cultural transport icon while making it more environmentally friendly.

Tradition is not for hindering progress, but for giving direction so that progress does not lose its identity.

— Purbaya Yudhi SadewaThe Finance Minister spoke at the launch about balancing tradition and progress.

The program directly benefits 80 individuals, including 15 becak drivers present at the event. The supporting ecosystem comprises 12 charging stations, a mobile workshop, eight spare batteries, and a main workshop at SMK Negeri 3 Yogyakarta. Notably, 100% of the ecosystem's development, from fabrication to assembly, utilized local Yogyakarta labor, reinforcing the community-based economic empowerment goal. Minister Purbaya added, "The economy that is strong grows from the people. Today, what we are electrifying is not just the Becak, but the opportunities, hope, and the future of families."

The Bekalista is designed for tourism, boasting a powerful, quiet, safe, and emission-free operation. It features a 750W BLDC Hub motor with Planetary Gear and a 48V 30Ah LiFePO4 battery, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 18 km/h (SOP 15 km/h) and handling inclines up to 10%. A full charge provides a range of up to 50 km. Safety features include dual braking systems. The vehicle accommodates one driver and two passengers, with a maximum load capacity of 350 kg. Two types are available: the "Istimewa" (Special) with a wider seat for premium tourist areas, and the "Klasik" (Classic) with a more compact design for narrow streets.

Today, what we are electrifying is not around the Becak, what we are igniting are opportunities, hope, and the future of families.

— Purbaya Yudhi SadewaMinister Purbaya emphasized the broader impact of the electric becak initiative.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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