Gov't to Question Ride-Hailing Platforms on Alleged Exploitation of Ojol Drivers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ministry of Human Rights (HAM) has confirmed it will summon online motorcycle taxi (ojol) service providers following allegations of driver exploitation.

This was conveyed by the Ministry’s Director-General of Services and Compliance, Munafrizal Manan, after meeting with the National Motorcycle Taxi Coalition (KON) on Thursday, May 22, 2025.

"Yes, we will ask, give the opportunity for the app operators to convey their version," Munafrizal said after the meeting at the Ministry's office in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

He stated that the Ministry will follow up on the coalition’s complaints and examine the working conditions of online motorcycle taxi drivers, particularly the fairness of their relationship with app operators.

"We will investigate whether there is an element of exploitation in it," he said.

When asked whether the issue involved excessive working hours, Munafrizal declined to give a definitive answer.

"Of course, that is an aspect that we will delve into later," he noted.

He explained that the drivers operate under a system managed through digital applications, and the Ministry plans to assess both how these platforms function and how they impact drivers' daily lives.

"So, from there, it can be known whether this can be qualified as a new form of exploitation or not."

Rahman Tohir, Head of Legal Affairs at KON, suspects the alleged exploitation may be linked to the Eid al-Fitr bonus assistance (BHR) program.

While this program offers aid ranging from Rp50,000 to Rp900,000, he said, one operator introduced a new pricing scheme soon after its launch.

Under this system, customers can choose between economical and standard services. Rahman noted that most customers naturally opt for the cheaper option, which is only available through drivers enrolled in the economical program -- a program that requires drivers to pay a fee.

"Even though there is no coercion from the operator, but if I don't join this program, I won't get any orders," Rahman said.

In addition to the standard 20 percent commission deduction, drivers in this program must pay daily fees ranging from Rp3,000 to Rp20,000. Rahman argued that this double burden is harming drivers' earnings and deepening their vulnerability.

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