Brief History of Land Transportation and Its Types

Land transportation refers to all forms of vehicles that use roads to transport passengers or goods. This type of transportation is among the most dominant in Indonesia compared to sea and air transportation. 

Exploring a brief history of land transportation in the homeland, it was somewhat influenced by the Dutch who colonized Indonesia. At that time, people relied solely on horses, carts, wagons, and rickshaws as personal and goods transport. 

The development of land transportation that can still be felt today is the presence of trains and road infrastructure that stretches across the island of Java. Gradually, all those "old-fashioned" modes of transportation have been replaced due to changes in times, technological advancements, and political policies in power. 

Moreover, the invention of the wheel, which became the forerunner of land transportation development, has also had a significant impact on land transportation modes. To this day, land transportation can be classified into several types depending on the wheels used. 

Types of Land Transportation 

There are several types of land transportation that can be found in everyday life. The various types of land transportation available in Indonesia are as follows. 

Two-Wheeled Vehicles  

1. Bicycle 

Bicycles are the simplest form of transportation without a machine. Their presence has been known since ancient times until now. Their function is not only used as personal and light goods transport, but now bicycles seem to have become a lifestyle. 

2. Delman 

To transport passengers, this land transportation is only found in certain areas such as Yogyakarta, Semarang, Solo, Magelang, and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, in some other areas, it is only used as a tourist vehicle. 

Delman is classified as a two-wheeled land transportation that relies on horse power to pull the carriage. The maximum capacity of a delman is only enough for 4 to 6 people. 

3. Motorcycle 

Motorcycles have become the most popular vehicle in Indonesia. It seems that almost everyone utilizes motorcycles to accommodate their mobility due to their simple size, easy maintenance, and affordable price. 

Motorcycles use gasoline as fuel and have an engine as a driver. To ride a motorcycle, there are requirements that the user must meet, namely having a SIM C, complete vehicle documents, and driving skills to prevent accidents. 

Three-Wheeled Vehicles 

1. Rickshaw 

Some areas in Indonesia still rely on rickshaws as three-wheeled land transportation. Essentially, rickshaws are pedaled by humans while moving, and passengers sit in the front. 

With the development of the times, rickshaws have also started using motors as their drivers. It turns out that not only in Indonesia, rickshaws can also be easily found in several countries such as Vietnam, India, and Malaysia. 

2. Bajaj

This three-wheeled transportation relies on an engine as a driver. The driver is located in the front and the maximum number of passengers is two people in the back. In Jakarta, rickshaws are still allowed to operate, although only in certain areas. 

Read also: Public Transportation in DKI Jakarta that is Starting to be Restricted

Four-Wheeled or More Transportation 

1. Car 

Cars are four-wheeled transportation that relies on an engine as a driver. Their passenger capacity can reach 4-8 people depending on the type and brand. 

Some public transport also uses cars as a mode of transportation. To be able to drive a car, it is required to have a SIM A. 

2. Bus 

Buses are mass transportation vehicles with 8 wheels, powered by an engine, and are large in size. Their passenger capacity can carry up to 60 people. 

3. Truck 

This transportation is equipped with 8 wheels and is usually only used to transport heavy goods such as wood, stones, and other heavy items. To be able to drive it, several requirements are needed, such as passing vehicle tests with a SIM B, operational permits, and KIR cards. 

4. Train 

Trains are mass transportation tools that use diesel engines. Their wheels are made of steel that attach to the tracks. 

The capacity of trains is very large depending on the type. Some are used to accommodate passengers, while others are freight trains. For long-distance goods delivery, trains are also often relied upon. 

Thus, some reviews related to land transportation. Hopefully, it can add to your knowledge, friends! 

Author: Dinno Baskoro