Bertahan sampai kapan? Becak motor versus moda transportasi online di Medan

Abstract

Penggunaan becak bermotor sangat penting bagi masyarakat perkotaan di Indonesia karena minimnya layanan transportasi umum. Namun, maraknya layanan transportasi digital telah meminggirkan keberadaan mereka tanpa dukungan dari pemerintah dan pihak terkait. Sebuah studi lapangan di Medan, Sumatera Utara, yang melibatkan pengemudi becak bermotor mengungkap pengalaman dan upaya mereka untuk terus menyediakan layanan transportasi alternatif. Studi ini menyoroti kurangnya pilihan pekerjaan lain bagi para pengemudi ini dan alasan sosial budaya untuk tetap bertahan pada profesi mereka meskipun semakin tersedianya layanan transportasi digital. Selain itu, mereka berupaya meningkatkan layanan mereka dengan mengorganisasi diri dan berinvestasi dalam bisnis mereka.

The use of motorized pedicabs is vital in urban communities in Indonesia due to insufficient public transportation services. However, the rise of digital transportation services has marginalized their existence without support from the government and related parties. A field study in Medan, North Sumatra, involving motorized pedicab drivers revealed their experiences and efforts to continue providing alternative transportation services. This study highlighted the lack of other job options for these drivers and the socio-cultural reasons for sticking to their profession despite the increasing availability of digital transportation services. Additionally, they are making efforts to improve their services by organizing themselves and investing in their businesses.