by Dames Alexander Sinaga

PEMATANGSIANTAR, Indonesia, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- As the afternoon sun casts long shadows across the streets of Pematangsiantar in Indonesia's North Sumatra Province, the steady hum of a vintage motorcycle engine rises above the traffic.

Fitted with a side passenger cabin, a three-wheeled vehicle glides between cars and motorbikes with practiced ease. Known locally as becak siantar, the motorized rickshaw remains a familiar sight in the city and a symbol deeply woven into its urban identity.

Located about 130 km from Medan, the provincial capital, Pematangsiantar is one of the few Indonesian cities where such motorized rickshaws continue to operate. Unlike pedal-powered rickshaws found elsewhere in the country, becak siantar is powered by modified motorcycles, many of which are several decades old.

Some vehicles still rely on engines dating back to the 1940s and 1950s, kept running through careful maintenance, mechanical adjustments and the dedication of their owners. With a passenger seat attached to the side, the vehicles serve not only as a means of public transport but also as a cultural icon unique to the city.

"For us, this is not just a job," said Junaidi, a 54-year-old driver who has worked in Pematangsiantar for more than 25 years. "This is our identity. People recognize Pematangsiantar because of becak siantar."

The origins of becak siantar date back to the mid-20th century, when motorcycles gradually replaced human-powered rickshaws. As motorcycles became more accessible, local mechanics began modifying them to carry passengers. The designs evolved to suit the city's narrow roads and busy commercial areas, allowing the vehicles to move efficiently through dense traffic.

Over time, these modified motorcycles developed distinct characteristics and gained widespread acceptance as a practical mode of transportation. Becak siantar eventually became an integral part of urban mobility in Pematangsiantar, serving residents across neighborhoods, markets and public spaces.

Junaidi recalled that in past decades the number of becak siantar reached several hundred units, peaking at around 1,000 vehicles operating throughout the city.

Today, however, their presence has dwindled. Fewer than 100 becak siantar are still actively operating on Pematangsiantar's streets, he said.

The decline reflects changing transportation preferences, the growing popularity of ride-hailing services, and the widespread use of private motorcycles, particularly among younger residents. Rising fuel prices and maintenance costs have also added financial pressure on drivers who rely on daily earnings.

Stricter traffic regulations and safety requirements pose further challenges, as some older vehicles struggle to meet current standards, raising concerns about how long they can continue to operate.

Tourism, however, has offered a new source of hope. Visitors traveling to nearby Lake Toba often stop in Pematangsiantar and choose to ride becak siantar, viewing it as a way to experience the city's everyday life at a slower pace.

"As long as there are passengers, we will continue to operate," Junaidi said.

As Indonesia's cities continue to modernize, becak siantar endures as a reminder that traditional forms of transportation can adapt, survive and coexist alongside the rhythms of modern urban life. ■