Heaptalk, Jakarta — Today (05/20), online motorcycle taxi drivers across Indonesia are holding a nationwide strike and turning off their ride-hailing apps in a coordinated “offbid” action, which could bring services to a complete halt.
Saefudin, a ride-hailing driver, stated that the strike is part of a large-scale demonstration organized by the Garda Indonesia Association to protest what they deem as unfair policies and regulatory violations by ride-hailing platforms. “Today (05/20), Garda Indonesia will hold a massive protest against app operators who have ignored fair rules and regulations,” he emphasized.
Raden Igun Wicaksono, Chairman of Garda Indonesia, explained that ride-hailing companies have consistently failed to comply with government regulations, particularly the 15% maximum commission cap (plus an additional 5% for driver welfare) as stipulated in Transportation Ministerial Decree No. KP 1001 of 2022. “The government has turned a blind eye to these violations. Since 2022, drivers have been patient, but we continue to be disrespected,” Igun said in a written statement on Thursday (05/15).
He emphasized, “There will be no leniency for violating platforms. Drivers have endured enough and will no longer tolerate being exploited.” The nationwide strike will occur at three key locations in Jakarta: the Merdeka Palace (Presidential Office), the Ministry of Transportation building, and the House of Representatives. Garda Indonesia expects thousands of drivers from regions such as Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, East Java, and Sumatra to join. Given the demonstrations’ scale and central locations, severe traffic congestion is anticipated.
