Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — The West Java Provincial Government plans to compensate traditional transport operators, including delman (horse wagon) and becak (pedicabs), to halt their operations during the peak of the 2025 Eid homecoming (mudik) season. Approximately 1,000 vehicles will receive compensation of Rp3 million (around $190) each from the government.
Koswara, Head of the West Java Transportation Agency, stated that the measure aims to alleviate traffic congestion at key locations. He explained that potential gridlocks could arise due to traffic engineering measures on toll roads. To address this, the governor has requested that traditional transport operators cease operations for two weeks.
“When the one-way system is implemented on toll roads, it will impact arterial roads. With an increased number of vehicles using non-toll roads, local traffic will be affected,” Koswara said on Sunday (March 16, 2025) as reported by Teropongmedia.
“Based on recommendations from the Minister of Transportation and the Governor’s decision, traditional transport services, such as delman and becak, operating along homecoming routes will be suspended for two weeks. In return, operators will receive compensation,” he added.
According to Koswara, a survey identified 1,168 traditional transport units across various regions, including 579 in Garut, 28 in Tasikmalaya, 169 in Kuningan, 43 in Subang, and 349 in Cirebon.
The traditional transport operators will receive compensation, amounting to Rp3 million per vehicle, that will be distributed between seven days before and seven days after Eid. The funding will come from the West Java provincial budget (APBD).
“This is a policy set by the Governor. Each delman and becak operator will receive Rp3 million. Our data indicates that 1,168 transport units are eligible. The payments will be made from seven days before Eid until seven days after,” Koswara confirmed.
Read Also:
Indonesia Begins Disbursing Holiday Bonuses (THR) for Civil Servants, Police, and Military Personnel
Reduce Congestion
West Java Regional Secretary (Sekda) Herman Suryatman emphasized that the initiative is intended to reduce congestion in high-traffic areas where traditional transport frequently operate, particularly delman and becak.
“The Governor has instructed that congestion hotspots be addressed. These areas often have delman and becak drivers, as well as motorcycle taxi (ojol) riders, and other local traffic. The stimulus is aimed at reducing their activity during the peak travel period,” Herman said at Gedung Sate on Monday (March 17, 2025).
This initiative reflects the West Java provincial government’s efforts to ensure a smoother traffic flow during the annual Eid homecoming rush. By providing financial compensation to traditional transport operators, officials hope to minimize congestion while supporting the livelihoods of those affected by the temporary restrictions.
(Raidi/Agung)