TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara has responded to the pros and cons related to the operation of Gojek in Malaysia. He said the country’s ride-hailing app should be allowed to compete with Grab for a healthier business competition.

“Malaysian Grab can operate in Indonesia, how come Indonesian app is not permitted to enter there? It should be allowed to create healthy competition,” said Rudiantara when met after the Economic Outlook 2020 in Pacific Place, Jakarta, Wednesday, August 28.

According to the minister, Indonesia did not close opportunities for foreign companies, especially app firms, to operate in the country thus far, including Grab.

Previously reported, groups of Malaysian people staged a rally protesting the operation of the Indonesian decacorn in the neighboring country. A number of taxi companies even publicly resisted its presence.

The refusal was also voiced by Malaysian member of parliament from Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) Aman Razali. He said its operation would increase the number of sexual assault cases.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian government had earlier showed a positive signal for the app’s expansion. In a meeting on Wednesday, August 21, Malaysian Minister of Entrepreneur Development Datuk Seri Mohd. Redzuan Yusof said that the whole government cabinet had agreed on the principal license of Gojek.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA | MALAYMAIL