Bentor Drivers Persist Amid Modern Transportation Rivalry

RRI.CO.ID, Palembang - Amidst the heavy traffic of the Plaju Subdistrict in Palembang, South Sumatra, a motorized pedicab (bentor) driver named Asnawi stands faithfully beside his bentor, waiting for passengers. The middle-aged man has dedicated himself to this job since the early 1990s to provide for his family.

Every day, Asnawi operates from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jakarta time, navigating the streets of Plaju and its surroundings. He sets his fares starting at IDR 15,000 (USD 0.94), with the final price adjusted based on the travel distance.

Asnawi admits that his passenger count has dwindled significantly compared to years past. "In the past, passengers were plentiful. I could make back-and-forth trips all day. Now, it has decreased sharply," he remarked. 

He attributes this shift to the rise of ride-hailing services. According to Asnawi, competition from app-based transportation has caused his income to plummet. Many residents now prefer online motorcycle taxis, which are perceived as more practical and faster. 

"Now, I often wait a long time. Sometimes an hour passes without a single passenger," he said.

Despite the struggle, Asnawi chooses to persevere. For him, the bentor is more than just a source of income, it is an inseparable part of his life's journey. "This bentor is what raised my children," he said on Sunday, February 8, 2026.

To supplement his daily needs, Asnawi also works as a Quran teacher. Every evening after the Maghrib prayer until 10 p.m. Jakarta time, he teaches neighborhood children to recite the Quran at his home.

Lina, one of his regular passengers, shared that she still chooses the bentor for its friendliness and convenience, particularly for short distances. In the face of rapid modernization, Asnawi holds onto his simple life, hoping that the bentor will always have a place in the hearts of the community. (Annaila Azzahra/Bambang MBKA)