Despite being nearly a century old, Sumardi (89) steadfastly pedals his pedicab, remaining the primary breadwinner for his family. His dedication recently earned him a life-changing gift: an electric pedicab from President Prabowo Subianto.
“Thank you, Bapak Prabowo and the GSN Foundation, for this pedicab,” Sumardi expressed, as quoted by the Government Communication Agency on Tuesday, November 25th. His heartfelt appreciation came during a significant event on Monday, November 24th, in Jombang, East Java, where 100 electric pedicabs were distributed by Prabowo through the National Solidarity Movement (GSN) Foundation.
These 100 electric pedicabs were specifically allocated to elderly pedicab drivers in Jombang Regency, marking a crucial effort to empower them and ensure their continued livelihood. This impactful assistance was entirely funded through Prabowo’s personal contributions, highlighting a commitment to community welfare.
Sumardi shared how profoundly the electric pedicab has helped him. While he never complained about the physical toll of pedaling, he admitted his income had sharply declined as passengers increasingly favored motorized pedicabs over traditional pedal-powered ones. “Many don’t want to ride [manual pedicabs], choosing motorized pedicabs instead. Some even switch to motorized pedicabs after initially getting on mine. I sometimes only get IDR 5,000. With a pedal pedicab, sometimes I get passengers, sometimes none at all,” he elaborated on his daily struggles.
His meager daily earnings as a manual pedicab driver typically ranged between IDR 25,000 and IDR 35,000. He now harbors strong hopes that with the new electric pedicab provided by Prabowo, passengers will be more inclined to utilize his services. “If it’s a manual pedicab, they refuse and switch to a motorized one. Now that I have this electric pedicab, people want to ride. They prefer the motorized [electric] pedicab,” he stated optimistically.
Similar sentiments of gratitude were voiced by Safardhon (71), another elderly pedicab driver from Jombang who received an electric pedicab. A resident of Dempok Hamlet, Grogol Village, Diwek District, Jombang, Safardhon expressed his immense joy at no longer having to gasp for breath while struggling up inclines. “I am old. I should actually be retired, but I am the sole breadwinner for my family. After being given this pedicab, I hope it brings blessings to support my family and other needs,” Safardhon shared, emphasizing the profound impact of the assistance.
He further extended his deep appreciation for Prabowo’s genuine concern for elderly pedicab drivers. “I am incredibly grateful to Bapak President Prabowo for providing this electric pedicab free of charge, without a single rupiah collected,” he affirmed. Safardhon concluded by offering a heartfelt prayer for Prabowo’s continued health and longevity, “so that he can continue to lead the nation and care for the common people.”
Summary
Sumardi, an 89-year-old pedicab driver and family breadwinner, received an electric pedicab from President Prabowo Subianto. This gift was part of a distribution of 100 electric pedicabs to elderly drivers in Jombang, East Java, personally funded by Prabowo through the National Solidarity Movement (GSN) Foundation. Sumardi expressed deep gratitude, highlighting his previous struggle with declining income as passengers preferred motorized options over his manual pedicab.
The electric pedicab is vital for Sumardi’s livelihood, as it allows him to attract more passengers and improve his earnings. Safardhon, 71, another recipient, echoed similar sentiments, expressing immense relief from physical strain and hope for better family support. Both drivers profoundly appreciated Prabowo’s genuine concern and the significant positive impact of the new pedicabs on their daily lives.
