Drivers in Indonesia are demanding that ride-hailing companies raise the share they receive for each trip, claiming that the current rate of 80 per cent is unfair. They are also calling for special employment status to give them more bargaining power over fees. Represented by the National Online Taxi Coalition, drivers are seeking better working conditions and higher incomes. One driver mentioned that he works 10 hours a day but often makes less than the minimum wage in Jakarta.
These demands come as companies like GoTo and Grab, which offer various services including ride-hailing and food delivery, have a combined market capitalisation of around US$18 billion. These companies consider their drivers as partners rather than employees, which means that they are not required to provide minimum wages, social security insurance, or limit working hours. Labour law experts emphasize the need for government regulation to ensure fair treatment and compensation for drivers.
Labour law lecturer Nabiyla Risfa Izzati from the University of Gadjah Mada supports the drivers’ calls for government intervention to regulate fees and working conditions in the industry. She suggests setting floor and ceiling fees across various sectors such as ride-hailing and food delivery to protect drivers from exploitation. However, the Indonesian manpower ministry has not responded to these demands, and the transport ministry has stated that it does not regulate fees, instead urging platforms to listen to their drivers.
The drivers’ protest reflects a broader trend of gig workers seeking better rights and protections globally. In many countries, gig economy workers face uncertainties around their status as independent contractors and lack access to benefits like healthcare and paid leave. Drivers in Indonesia are advocating for changes that would give them greater financial stability and a stronger voice when negotiating with ride-hailing companies.
As drivers continue to push for improvements in their working conditions, the focus is on creating a more equitable system that benefits both drivers and the companies they work for. By raising awareness about their struggles and organizing protests, drivers hope to pressure the government and companies to address their concerns. The outcome of this movement could have significant implications for the gig economy in Indonesia and potentially inspire similar efforts in other countries facing similar challenges.
Ultimately, the drivers’ demands highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to regulating the gig economy and ensuring that workers are treated fairly. By working together and advocating for change, drivers in Indonesia are taking a stand against exploitative practices and advocating for better working conditions in the digital economy. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how governments and companies will respond to these calls for reform and whether meaningful changes will be implemented to protect the rights of gig workers.
