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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, announced that the government is preparing a presidential regulation to ensure social security protection for online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers.The regulation, he said, will guarantee benefits such as accident coverage.“We want to ensure their social security,” Yassierli told reporters at the Ministry of Manpower office in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.He added that the forthcoming regulation would also promote transparency and fairness in the working relationship between digital platform companies and their drivers. “We want to create equality and transparency in their working arrangements,” he said.Labor Union Pushes for Faster ActionThe Indonesian Transportation Workers Union (SPAI) has urged President Prabowo Subianto to swiftly issue the Presidential Regulation on the Protection of Online Transportation Workers.During a cabinet meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025, Prabowo reportedly expressed his intention to build a fair and sustainable business ecosystem for online transportation providers.SPAI Chairperson Lily Pujiati voiced support for Prabowo’s initiative, emphasizing the need for stronger protection for platform workers, including online motorcycle taxi drivers, ride-hailing car drivers, and couriers.“To realize this commitment and improve workers’ welfare, we urge the President to enact a Presidential Regulation,” Lily said in a written statement received by Tempo on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.According to Lily, the regulation should cover key labor protections such as employment status, fair and decent wages in line with the minimum wage, an eight-hour workday, rest days, holiday allowances, and access to social security.She also called for the inclusion of maternity rights—such as menstrual and maternity leave—as well as the right to form labor unions, negotiate collectively, and sign binding labor agreements.“These measures are necessary to prevent arbitrary suspensions or terminations of partnerships,” she said.Drivers’ Growing BurdenLily warned that the absence of proper regulation has allowed online transportation platforms to impose exploitative practices on drivers.These include high commission cuts of up to 70 percent, aggressive discount schemes, double order systems, slot or hub requirements, fixed fares, and “priority driver” schemes that disadvantage many workers.Government Seeks BalancePresident Prabowo previously stated that his administration is in ongoing discussions with online transportation companies to reach a fair compromise that benefits both drivers and businesses.He noted that two major platforms dominate Indonesia’s ride-hailing market, employing around four million drivers and supporting another two million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).“Altogether, about six million people rely on this sector,” Prabowo said.Eka Yudha contributed to the writing of this article.Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Minister Keeps Silent on Layoff Numbers During Prabowo's First YearClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
