The use of bendi as a traditional transport vehicle in North Sulawesi province of Indonesia is declining. More people now drive cars and motorcycles. However, we could still see people go by bendis in certain towns in Minahasa highland such as Kawangkoan and Langowan. Before the invention of internal combustion engine and car, people travelled everywhere by riding horse, donkey, camel and even elephant. Although they do not emit toxic gases such as carbon monoxide, and chlorine, these "transport vehicles" are not interesting in a fast moving world anymore. In some third world countries, people still use horse or donkey drawn cart as transport vehicle. In Europe and the United States, horse-drawn cart are used for tourists travelling around a city or town. They do not function as the main transport vehicles.
 |
| Bendi is a horse pulled vehicle in North Sulawesi - Photo: Charles Roring |
We have seen that the soaring fossil fuel price triggers the rapid development of alternative fuel such as bio-diesel and bio-ethanol. Such development needs technology to implement. Most villagers in third world countries do not have the technological capacity to develop bio-fuel. They cannot afford to buy cars or trucks either. So, the easiest way to get a transport vehicle is by utilising their livestock as car or taxi.
 |
| A road in Minahasa Highland |
If we travel to Minahasa highland in North Sulawesi, we can still see some bendi carts roaming around the towns. Bendi is a horse drawn wagon. Thousands of bendi could be found in Minahasa region between 1980s and 1990s. When most of the town dwellers could not afford to buy motorcycles or cars. Unfortunately, their number has been decreasing over the years as the public transport vehicles such as bus and taxi that consumed low cost fuel offered cheaper fare. Electric bikes and motorcycles in more affordable prices continue to enter the market. The above picture shows how a bendi is used as commercial taxi in Sonder village of Minahasa region, the province of North Sulawesi.
Now, when the soaring price of fossil fuel has become everyday reality, the number of bendi is expected to continue to operate. Bendi will be a preferable choice of transport for tourism purposes. Horses do not consume gasoline or diesel fuel because it only needs grazing as its source of energy.
To attract people to ride this traditional vehicle, bendi owners decorate their cart with glittering ornaments and colorful paintings. The only annoying problem people face when riding bendi is its speed which is far lower than taxi or bus. This was written by Charles Roring.
Guiding Service
If you are interested in taking a holiday tour in Minahasa highland and want me to organize your tour and guide you, please, contact me (Charles Roring) by email to: peace4wp@gmail.com or by whatsapp: +6281332245180.
No comments:
Post a Comment