Cidomo facts for kids
A Cidomo is a special kind of small carriage pulled by a horse. You can find these unique vehicles in Indonesia, especially on the islands of Lombok and the Gili Islands. They are a fun and traditional way to get around!
Where Does the Name "Cidomo" Come From?
The name Cidomo is quite interesting! It comes from a mix of words.
- Cika or cikar is a word from the Sasak language for a traditional handcart.
- Dokar is a Balinese word for a pony cart.
- Mobil is the Indonesian word for car, referring to the wheels used on the Cidomo.
Sometimes, people also call them benhur. This is because they look a bit like the ancient Roman chariots you might see in the famous movie Ben-Hur.
What Does a Cidomo Look Like?
Cidomos are usually very colorful and decorated with lots of tassels and bells. They have special tires, like car tires, which make the ride a bit smoother.
These carriages can usually carry up to four people. Two people sit in the front, and two more can sit in the back. On the Gili Islands, Cidomos are super important. That's because regular cars and motorcycles are not allowed there, so Cidomos are one of the main ways people travel!
Challenges for Cidomos
While Cidomos are a traditional and fun way to travel, they do have a few challenges.
- They are quite slow, which can sometimes cause traffic jams in busy towns.
- Another issue is the horse dung. This can create an environmental problem in the towns. The Indonesian government has asked Cidomo drivers to clean up after their horses. If they don't, they might not be allowed to operate their Cidomos for a while.
