BLITAR – The Blitar city government is intensifying its search for elderly pedicab drivers because the electric rickshaw aid quota in Blitar remains unfilled, delaying distribution.
The city received 200 electric rickshaws through a presidential assistance program initiated by Prabowo Subianto. However, many eligible drivers have not yet appeared in the beneficiary database. Therefore, officials are expanding field checks and community outreach.
Deputy Mayor Elim Tyu Samba said the vehicles aim to support informal workers, especially aging pedicab drivers who face daily physical strain. She stressed that accurate data determines fair distribution.
“We are grateful that Blitar received direct attention from President Prabowo Subianto through this electric rickshaw aid. However, initial data collection shows part of the quota is still unused. We want to ensure no elderly pedicab driver is left out,” Elim said Sunday.
The city prioritizes drivers aged 55 and older because many struggle to pedal traditional rickshaws. As a result, electric assistance can reduce physical burden while preserving income opportunities.
“Our main target is elderly drivers above 55. Pedaling a rickshaw manually is very demanding for them. With electric rickshaws, we hope their productivity can improve without excessive physical burden,” she said.
To fill the remaining quota, the city has asked residents to help identify unregistered elderly drivers. Meanwhile, officials have opened reporting channels through municipal social media and a dedicated WhatsApp hotline.
Elim urged residents to participate actively so the program reaches the right beneficiaries. “If residents know elderly pedicab drivers who are not yet listed, please inform us through our social media or the provided number. We want this process to reach those truly eligible,” she said.
With additional community data, the city expects distribution to start soon. Ultimately, the program aims to modernize urban transport in Blitar while improving livelihoods for vulnerable workers.