Outside of Indonesia, travelling by bike is considered only for a limited group. Motorbikes are considered unsafe, and not everybody can control them easily. In Indonesia, things are much different. Motorbikes are a part of people’s lifestyle. Even if they can afford a car, they will choose to go by bike. Can be said that riding bikes is the popular commuting method for Indonesians
Perfect Match: Why Bikes Are So Popular in Indonesia
Why motorbikes are a match made in heaven for Indonesians is surely influenced by the fact that Indonesia’s city blueprint is built around motorbikes. Indonesian urban areas are dominated by small, shortcut roads; some roads are suitable for cars, but not all are available. Since the roads are arguably narrow, it is logical that motorbike drivers will avoid the hardships that might arise. To add more, the fact that most motorbikes are Japanese-made is helping the popularity of motorbikes. Japanese products are famous due to their hardiness and can even carry a workload that most vehicles cannot handle. Motorbikes’ prices are also very affordable, considering the credit system, which is clearly helpful for them. Therefore, all these factors make motorbikes the best candidate for the popular commuting method for Indonesians.
Secondly, Indonesia is a tropical country. Bringing motorbikes to tropical countries is not that hard. On sunny days, people wear jackets. On rainy days, they do not need a thick raincoat. So, for them, it is convenient enough.
Thirdly, the price of motorbikes is affordable. Several motorcycle companies, such as Honda and Yamaha, really do a good job of making hardy motorcycles. Therefore, second-hand motorbikes are more than enough for them.
Combining those factors, it’s no wonder motorbikes are the first choice.
Regulations Play a Part why this bike becomes the popular commuting method for Indonesians
Motorbikes are considered dangerous in many countries; many countries have regulations to prevent motorbikes from using main roads. Bikes can only go through small shortcuts or, sometimes, off-road areas.
In Indonesia, you are free to ride your motorbikes. You can even ride motorbikes on toll roads. Yes, there is a toll road for bikes in Bali, which makes things so friendly for motorbike drivers.
It does not mean there is no effort to stop motorbikes from entering the main road. The governor of Jakarta from 2014 to 2017, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, proposed the bill but ultimately lost his second campaign.
Will it Change?
People are comfortable with motorbikes, and public transportation isn’t that promising either. Even if public transportation is improved one day, people will still ride their motorbikes on the road.
The funny fact is that in Indonesia, motorbikes have become public transportation with the rise of ride-hailing companies such as Gojek and Grab. This situation means motorbikes will remain the king of the road for longer.
