Yogyakarta Launches 80 Electric Tourist Rickshaws as New Tourism Icon

Yogyakarta is set to welcome a new wave of eco-friendly tourism with the launch of 80 electric tourist rickshaws, known as Bekalista. The initiative, spearheaded by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa and Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, aims to transform the city's tourist transportation into a modern and sustainable system.

The Bekalista project, a brainchild of vocational school students, integrates digital technology through the 'Jogja Kita' application for operational efficiency. Beyond the electric rickshaws, the program includes a comprehensive support ecosystem. This comprises 12 charging stations, a mobile workshop, eight spare batteries, and a main workshop located at SMK Negeri 3 Yogyakarta. Notably, the entire development involved 100 percent local Yogyakarta labor, from fabrication and assembly to electrical systems and the teaching factory.

Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa emphasized the project's commitment to local involvement, stating, "The development involves 100 percent local Yogyakarta labor. Starting from fabrication, assembly, electrical systems, to the teaching factory within the vocational education environment." He urged for the proper maintenance of all supporting facilities to ensure optimal operation. Purbaya also expressed openness to providing financial support for future projects developed by vocational schools.

The introduction of Bekalista is seen as more than just a new mode of transport; it's a move to enhance the welfare of rickshaw drivers. Purbaya highlighted the significant impact even short rides have on their livelihoods, noting, "For tourists, a trip by rickshaw might only last 10 to 20 minutes, but for a rickshaw driver, it can mean groceries, school fees, and meeting family needs." He encouraged local SMEs to maintain product quality while embracing technology and urged the younger generation to use their knowledge to solve real-world problems, concluding, "Today, what we are electrifying is not just rickshaws. What we are igniting are opportunities, hope, and the future of families."