PAMEKASAN, BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE — The Indonesian government continues to champion poverty alleviation initiatives that directly impact the most vulnerable segments of society. One such effort was witnessed on Monday morning (July 14, 2025) in Pamekasan, Madura, where a symbolic handover of electric rickshaws (becak listrik) was held for elderly pedicab drivers—many of whom still rely on pedal power to earn a living.
This initiative is not part of a state-funded program but stems from the personal commitment of President Prabowo Subianto. The electric rickshaws were purchased using his own personal funds and his official operational allowance, underscoring his deep concern for informal workers. While the procurement was facilitated through the State Secretariat, the funding came entirely from the President himself.
Naniek S. Deyang, Deputy Head of the National Agency for Extreme Poverty Alleviation (BP Taskin RI), emphasized the nature of this gesture. “This is a personal initiative by the President—neither the State Secretariat nor the national budget were involved. Our role is to ensure the aid reaches those who need it most,” she stated. She also called on local governments to provide long-term support, including the provision of charging stations, to sustain the utility of the electric rickshaws.
To manage distribution and training, President Prabowo entrusted the National Solidarity Movement Foundation (YGSN), an organization he founded. YGSN has collaborated with BP Taskin and local governments to ensure accurate data collection, proper beneficiary verification, and smooth implementation on the ground.
In this initial phase, 25 electric rickshaws were handed over to selected beneficiaries aged 65 and above who are still actively working. The rickshaws, valued at approximately IDR 23 million each, were manufactured by PT Eltran Indonesia, a subsidiary of the state-owned PT LEN Industri. Before receiving their rickshaws, beneficiaries underwent technical training conducted by YGSN and PT Eltran’s engineers, covering operations, maintenance, and battery charging procedures.
Yudhi Samhana, a representative of YGSN, noted that this program is part of President Prabowo’s broader vision to empower pedicab drivers across Indonesia. “We aim to distribute up to 10,000 electric rickshaws by the end of the year, prioritizing those aged 65 and above in the first phase,” he explained.
Dr. K.H. Kholilurrahman, the Regent of Pamekasan, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the local government and community. “We sincerely thank President Prabowo for his concern for the grassroots. This program aligns perfectly with our regional priorities such as Healthy Pamekasan, Elderly-Friendly Villages, and Prosperous Seniors,” he said.
Mufadil, one of the rickshaw drivers who received the assistance, conveyed heartfelt thanks. “We are deeply grateful to the President for his kindness. This electric rickshaw is a blessing for us elderly drivers—it allows us to keep working without the physical strain,” he shared.
To date, President Prabowo has distributed 450 electric rickshaws during his term as Minister of Defense, and later ordered 1,000 additional units. Of those, 260 have been completed: 60 were delivered to East Java in February 2025, and 200 more were distributed in July 2025 across four districts in Madura and parts of Central Java.
Looking ahead, President Prabowo plans to expand the program further, working with various local manufacturers to reach his goal of 10,000 electric rickshaws delivered by the end of 2025. His vision is clear: to ensure every hardworking pedicab driver—particularly the elderly—can continue their livelihoods with dignity, support, and a lighter physical burden. (sdk)
