BLITAR – Electric pedicabs distributed by President Prabowo Subianto have brought new hope to hundreds of pedicab drivers in Blitar. Many elderly drivers believe the electric pedicabs will help them attract more passengers and ease their daily work.

The assistance program delivered around 200 electric pedicabs to drivers across the city. Most recipients are elderly drivers who still rely on pedicabs as their main source of income.

On Friday afternoon, dozens of newly delivered pedicabs lined up in the courtyard of the Blitar Mayor’s Office. The vehicles, painted brown, looked different from traditional pedal-powered pedicabs because they run on electric power.

Photos of President Prabowo and Blitar Deputy Mayor Elim Tyu Samba were also attached to the backrests of the vehicles, marking the government assistance program.

For many drivers, the electric pedicabs offer relief from the physical strain of pedaling. The vehicles allow them to continue working even as they grow older.

One of the recipients, Sukandar, a 74-year-old driver who lives in Kepanjenkidul, said he has worked as a pedicab driver for decades. He usually waits for passengers around Blitar Railway Station.

Originally from Jember, Sukandar moved to Blitar many years ago. He said he began working as a pedicab driver in the area around 1979.

“I came from Jember and have lived in Blitar for a long time,” Sukandar said. “I now stay behind the Koramil office on Sukun Street.”

Despite his age, he still depends on his pedicab to make a living. However, he said his income has declined over the years and remains unpredictable.

Competition from ride-hailing services has significantly reduced the number of passengers. Many residents now prefer faster modern transportation.

“Income is uncertain now. Sometimes I get passengers, sometimes I don’t,” he said. “In a month I might earn a little over Rp100,000, but it’s not guaranteed.”

Sukandar added that Blitar’s relatively small size also affects his daily earnings. Compared with larger cities, passenger activity tends to be lower.

“Blitar is a small city, not an industrial area,” he explained. “By around 7 p.m., the streets are often already quiet.”

Despite those challenges, Sukandar expressed gratitude after receiving the electric pedicab from the government.

He hopes the new vehicle will make his work easier and help him attract more passengers in the future.

“I hope this electric pedicab will bring more passengers,” he said. “If that happens, my income can also increase.”