TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gojek Indonesia President Catherine Hindra Sutjahyo emphasized that flexibility is the primary strength of online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers.
She made this statement in response to one of the key demands voiced during the ojol driver association’s protest on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, which called for drivers to be granted permanent employee status.
"The power of flexibility," said Catherine during a discussion forum with Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi in Central Jakarta on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Catherine explained that many Gojek partners are drawn to the job because it does not require fixed office hours. This flexibility enables them to take on ojol driving as a part-time occupation.
She cited an example of a housewife who can pick up passengers after dropping her child off at school and pause work to pick the child up again.
"Working in this way is difficult to do in the formal labor sector," she said.
She also noted that the flexible model allows more people to enter the workforce. In her view, ojol driving acts as a social safety net, as the number of drivers tends to surge during mass layoffs.
Catherine added that despite its flexible nature, the job still allows drivers to earn well if they commit full-time.
"Partner income is based on their performance," she stated.
This sentiment was echoed by Grab Indonesia’s Chief of Public Affairs, Tirza R. Munusamy. She noted that around 50 percent of Grab’s partners are individuals without permanent employment, including those who have lost their jobs or are waiting for new opportunities.
Others, she added, already hold full-time jobs but take on ojol driving to supplement their income.
"Flexibility is at the core of what gives this work its value and dignity," Tirza said, noting that this setup enables drivers to choose their own working hours and time off.
"Turning them into permanent employees would take away that sense of independence," she added.
However, Indonesian Transportation Workers Union (SPAI) Chairperson Lily Pujiati challenged the notion that drivers genuinely enjoy flexibility. She argued that the promise of flexible work is often unfulfilled.
Lily pointed out that many drivers work more than eight hours a day to reach a livable income. She criticized the partner status as a way for companies to avoid providing labor protections required under Indonesian law.
"We are calling for hourly wages, essentially the minimum wage," she said.
"That way, drivers are fairly compensated not only for active driving time but also for waiting periods, rest breaks, and are entitled to leave for menstruation and childbirth."
Editor’s Choice: House to Hold Hearing with Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Following Mass Protest
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Ojol Rally in Jakarta: Protesters Demand Audience with Transportation Minister
12 menit lalu
Ojol drivers are demanding to meet directly with the Minister of Transportation, Dudy Purwagandhi, at the protest location.
House to Hold Hearing with Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Following Mass Protest
2 jam lalu
House highlighted that the absence of regulations for online motorcycle taxi drivers has made it difficult to accommodate their demands.
Transportation Minister Responds to Ojol Drivers' Demands to Lower Commission to 10 Percent
3 jam lalu
According to the Minister of Transportation, the aspirations of online motorcycle taxi (ojol) companies must be accommodated to ensure the sustainability of the online transportation ecosystem.
10 Ojol Unions Plan Rally at Transportation Ministry, Call for Nationwide App Shutdown
5 jam lalu
Ten driver unions of online ride-hailing or ojol companies will stage a rally at the Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday afternoon, 20 May.
Gojek Assures Business as Usual Despite Ojol Drivers' Planned Mass Protest
6 jam lalu
Customers can still use Gojek services as usual today, as ojol drivers plan mass offbid action.
Online Taxi Drivers to Stage Mass Protest Today; Palace Responds
7 jam lalu
Ojol drivers plan to stage a mass protest on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, starting at 1:00 p.m., raising several demands, including revenue sharing.
Online Taxi Drivers to Disable App Today, Here is Grab's Anticipation Step
10 jam lalu
Chief of Public Affairs Grab Indonesia, Tirza Munusamy, responds to the planned protest and application shutdown by online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers.
Here's Why Grab Refuses to Allow Online Taxi Drivers to Become Permanent Employees
11 jam lalu
An article discussing Grab Indonesia's disagreement over online motorcycle taxi (Ojol) drivers becoming permanent employees, and the reasons behind their stance.
May 20 App Shutdown: Gojek, Grab, and Maxim Claim Not to Have Violated Rules
11 jam lalu
Providers of online transportation services Gojek, Grab, and Maxim have jointly denied allegations made by the motorcycle taxi drivers' association.
Today's Top 3 News: Grab, Gojek, and Maxim Online Taxi Drivers Will Shut Down Apps on May 20
18 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
