TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A group of online motorcycle taxi drivers (online ojek) known as Garda Indonesia, cancelled its plan to stage a rally on August 18, 2018, which coincides with the 2018 Asian Games opening ceremony. The decision to cancel the rally was made to avoid riot during the ceremony, which will certainly attract public attention.

"We consider the safety risk and to respect the constitution," said Yohannes Ben, the relly coordinator at Garda Indonesia Secretariat office in Kemayoran, on Thursday, August 16, 2018.

Thus far, Garda Indonesia presidium had not set a date for the demonstration following the delay. "[The rally will be held] as soon as possible, we still like to hold it in August," Yohannes said on Wednesday, August 15, 2018.

The founder of Garda Indonesia Andreanes Budi, said that the delay had been disseminated to all members. However, if some online ojek drivers still conduct it on August 18, the group will not be responsible for the act.

"We will not be responsible because we have declared a statement," Andreanes said.

As reported earlier, online ojek drivers planned to hold the rally during the opening ceremony of 2018 Asian Games regarding the partnership system between drivers and the ride-hailing company, namely Go-Jek and Grab. The drivers demanded an increase in the basic tariff up to Rp3,000 per kilometer, yet the company did not respond.

EDO JUVANO | SSN