Legendary Machine Pedicab of Siantar City from the World War II Legacy

Pematang Siantar city has legendary machine pedicab that used as public transportation. Machine pedicab is icon of the city. Pedicab machine is rickshaw which driven by old motorcycle machine. It has three tires and driver is beside the passenger. Siantar is a city in North Sumatera Province, Indonesia, one of largest country in Southeast Asia.

What is made Siantar’s pedicab as legendary? Machine pedicab is using army motorcycle from legacy of the World War II. The motorcycle army was made by The Birmingham Small Army (BSA) Company. British allied army brought these war vehicles to Siantar, but most of BSA motorcycle left behind; maybe because it’s broken or anything else. People then modified this motorcycle become machine pedicab. Motorcycle made by Birmingham Small Army has big machine about 250cc and 500cc. It is appropriate with Siantar City that has hilly contour. City Mayor would like to replace it with new Japan motorcycle machine. Pedicab drivers’ organization named BSA Owner Motorcycles Siantar (BOMS) protested that decision. They won and City government announced new policy that acknowledges BSA pedicab as the city heritage of Siantar.

The Birmingham Small Army is manufacturing military and largest motorcycle producers in the era of World War II. Siantar City is the biggest collector of BSA about 1000 motorcycle, but in British as producer only has around 800 motorcycles now. BSA produced 126,000 motorcycles during the World War II. Siantar machine pedicab was produced around 1941 and 1956.

Pedicab driver established organization named BSA Owner Motorcycles Siantar (BOMS). They made convoy celebration each year in Siantar. Machine pedicab made procession in the main road and greeting the people. It’s like pedicab festival and fun with people.

Since the bus transportation is more effective and cheaper, the machine pedicab number was decreasing. Pedicab driver comes from poor family with low income from his pedicab. It is just enough to buy food and daily expenditure.

Siantar mechanic is clever and modified the spare parts. The Birmingham Small Army did not produce genuine spare parts anymore. The machine pedicabs still survive because the machine adopted and using others vehicles spare parts. For some spare parts that did not suitable from others vehicles, they made it on iron workshop with lathe machine.

If you visiting Siantar City, do not forget to city tour with BSA machine pedicab. The city is great with cool weather and good people. You can explore rural people and natural life around Siantar City.

Siantar city is near to Danau Toba or Toba Lake, the biggest and most beautiful lake in Indonesia. Toba Lake is top tourist destination in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Toba Lake has long 100 km and wide 30 km, very huge and wonderful. Well come to Siantar City and enjoy city tour with legendary War War II motorcycle pedicab.

Indonesia is great destination of vacation in Southeast Asia. You can travel to Bali, Nusatenggara, and looking for famous antique handicraft or miniature in Yogyakarta City:

• Well Come to Bali and Enjoy 16 Great of Tourism Areas
• East Nusa Tenggara from Diving Heaven to the Giant Komodo Dragon
• Bicycle Miniature Antique and Unique Handicraft Collection from Yogyakarta