Overview of Socio-Economic Conditions of Becak Drivers in Indonesia (Case Study in Mariso District, Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia)

Abstract

One of the sectors that is now the concern of the South Sulawesi government, especially the Makassar city government, is the informal labor sector, including Becak drivers which are easy jobs to do and are an alternative to obtaining financial income to meet the needs of life. Rickshaw drivers who originally came from villages and farmers, they became circular migrants, going back and forth village-city following the cycle of the agrarian economy. Their philosophy and way of life, way of working, and way of fighting illustrate a civilizational tradition peculiar to their time. Back and forth, ups and downs, pacing, ups and downs are expressions that can represent the dynamics of urban people, especially rickshaw drivers. This dynamic causes the life or social conditions of Becak drivers to get attention from the government to be able to compete with modern transfortation.

To find out the extent of the socio-economic conditions of Becak drivers and how much attention the Makassar city government pays to overcome labor problems and efforts to contain the rate of population growth, especially those who migrate to the city of Makassar.

Methology - Research  using the basis of survey research with descriptive research type. Primary data were obtained using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Data analysis techniques with quantitative methods and frequency tables.

The results show that the average level of education of elementary and junior high school graduates who work as rickshaw drivers, most of the Becak drivers who migrate are permanent migrants while others are circular migrants. The level of income they earn averages Rp.30,000 – Rp.50,000 per day. Factors that encourage to move to the city of Makassar are Family Encouragement 50%, Invited by Friends 15%, Self-Willpower 35%.