Malioboro Once Again Crowded with Tourists, Becak Drivers Start Hunting for Passengers

Kapanlagi.com - The pandemic is one extraordinary event that is felt by almost all people around the world, including Indonesia. Many activities have been halted, causing people to lose their livelihoods temporarily. It's not just offices and schools, even tourist attractions are also prohibited and closed to visitors.

Of course, this has a significant impact on the tourism sector, especially for those who seek income in tourist areas. Like the becak drivers in Malioboro, they also have to bear the consequences of this pandemic. They have no choice but to survive by engaging in other activities.

However, many tourist areas and attractions have now reopened to the public. Especially the tourist area in Malioboro, which is already crowded with visitors again. Although not as busy as usual, it is enough to make service providers like becak drivers resume their activities. These becak drivers are starting to hunt for passengers, most of whom are currently local tourists.

Like Mr. Joko, Mr. Anang, and other colleagues who have also resumed their activities providing becak services in the Malioboro area. Although they have tried to survive during the pandemic, they are now rising again and starting to carry out their usual activities in the Malioboro area.

1. Hoping for Assistance

The impact of the pandemic is also felt by Mr. Joko, who works as a pedicab driver in the Malioboro area. Mr. Joko said that he couldn't do any activities because of this pandemic, which required him and his colleagues to stay at home and maintain distance from others.

"Not doing anything, just staying at home. Can't do regular activities," said Mr. Joko when interviewed by Kapanlagi.com.

Mr. Joko is one of the pedicab drivers in the Malioboro area who is part of the Malioboro pedicab community. He also revealed that in the early stages of the pandemic, those in the community survived with the assistance provided by the government.

However, now Mr. Joko is able to resume his activities. He is once again searching for passengers who are on vacation and coming to Malioboro. Although there are still many local tourists coming, this is a new beginning for Mr. Joko and his colleagues to start earning a living again, especially since their source of income depends on this tourist pedicab.

2. Other Activities During the Pandemic

(credit: Reporter/Dhia Amira)

In addition to Mr. Joko, there is also Mr. Anang who works as a becak driver in the Malioboro area. Mr. Anang himself has been working as a tour becak provider in Malioboro for about 15 years. From his earnings, he can provide higher education for his children. Although becak is not his main source of income, Mr. Anang really enjoys this job.

Mr. Anang not only works as a becak driver, but he also has another job. He works at a sugar factory to support his family during the pandemic.

Mr. Anang said that he has been working at the sugar factory for quite a long time. Meanwhile, the becak provides additional income to spend time and also brings luck.

"Some people do farming, sometimes others just stay at home, it's different. Everyone's income is different," explained Mr. Anang, talking about the other income of his fellow becak drivers.

3. Decreased Income

Although activities have returned to normal and Malioboro is once again visited by many tourists, the income felt by Pak Anang, Pak Joko, and other colleagues has not yet returned to normal as usual. Pak Anang admits that even on regular days, the income is still uncertain.

"(For income) it's still uncertain. When there are many tourists, it's quite good. But when it's quiet like this, it's just normal," said Pak Anang.

"(Income) is still below that. Sometimes it's only below 100 thousand, sometimes 125 thousand. Well, basically, it's only busy on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays are quiet. It's just average (income), better than staying at home," he continued.

Pak Anang revealed that on regular days before the pandemic, the income could reach 150 thousand to 200 thousand in a day. However, because of the current pandemic, they have to work even harder to find tourists who want to use their services.

4. Local Tourists

(credit: Reporter/Dhia Amira)

The income of these becak drivers has not returned to normal even though Malioboro tourists have started to come, this is because most of them are local tourists who mostly come with private vehicles. Nevertheless, the Malioboro becak drivers remain grateful.

"Yes, it's getting a little better. There are local tourists. Some from outside the city might also come," Mr. Anang explained.

5. The Spirit of the Becak Drivers

Although the pandemic has affected many sectors, such as the tourism sector, including the becak service. However, it does not make Mr. Anang, Mr. Joko, and other colleagues give up.

They struggle to survive and rise again by welcoming tourists who visit Yogyakarta, especially the Malioboro area. These becak drivers also do not consider the pandemic as a complete obstacle in their search for a living.

"Well, if you say it's an obstacle, then it's an obstacle. If you say it's not, then it's not. If you say it's an obstacle, it turns out to be quiet. There is no income. For the past 7 months, we could only survive," Mr. Anang explained again.

However, he and his colleagues also understand what happened during the pandemic. Now they are starting their activities as becak service providers again, warmly welcoming tourists who come to Malioboro.

(kpl/dhm)