Online Ojek, Courier Drivers Stage Protest; Gojek, Manpower Ministry Respond

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Groups of online motorcycle taxis or online ojek and courier drivers across Greater Jakarta staged a demonstration on Thursday, August 29, 2024, demanding better working conditions and legal recognition. The protest targeted the Merdeka Palace, the Gojek office in Petojo, Central Jakarta, and the Grab office in Cilandak, South Jakarta.

Igun Wicaksono, the General Chairperson of the National Garda Indonesia Online Two-Wheeled Transportation Drivers Association, stated that the demonstration aimed to convey their concerns to both the government and ride-hailing giants, Gojek and Grab. The action was expected to draw between 500 and 1,000 participants.

He criticized the government for failing to provide adequate solutions to address the concerns of app company partners. He highlighted the lack of legal standing for online motorcycle taxis, which has contributed to arbitrary actions by companies against online taxi drivers and couriers.

The demonstrators presented six demands, as follows:

1 Revising the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) Regulation No. 1 of 2012 on the formula for commercial postal service rates for online motorcycle taxi and courier partners.

2 Requiring the Kominfo Ministry to evaluate and monitor app companies for unfair practices.

3 Eliminating the "low tariff service" program for delivering goods and food.

4 Standardizing delivery rates across all app providers.

5 Rejecting app promotions that are charged to driver-partner income.

6 Legalizing online motorcycle taxis through a Joint Decree issued by relevant ministries.

Ministry of Manpower's Response

The Ministry of Manpower announced plans to draft new regulations for workers with partnership status, including online ojek drivers. These regulations would include provisions for holiday allowances (THR).

Manpower Minister Ida Fauziyah stated that the ministry has been working with other relevant ministries and institutions to develop the regulations. They have conducted focus group discussions with various stakeholders to gather input and understand the employment status of online motorcycle taxi drivers and couriers.

However, she noted that the regulations would not be finalized this year. Regarding the THR, she emphasized that it remains an appeal for companies to provide, with the type and mechanism of provision left to their discretion

Gojek’s Response

Gojek's Head of Corporate Affairs, Rosel Lavina, expressed the company's openness to the aspirations of driver partners regarding rates. “We are very open to the aspirations of Gojek driver partners and always urge them to convey it in a conducive and orderly manner. So far, Gojek driver partners have also communicated their aspirations through our various existing formal communication channels,” she said.

She also urged drivers to avoid being provoked and continue services as usual. She emphasized that Gojek is committed to taking firm action against individuals who engage in harmful behavior against both customers and partners.

SHARISYA KUSUMA RAHMANDA | ANTARA | AULIA SABRINI SARAGIH

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