Indonesian Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Strike Over Low Pay

Over 1,000 motorcycle taxi drivers in Indonesia protested low pay and unfair practices by ride-sharing companies. Drivers called on the government for protection and better pay. Protests in multiple cities caused service delays, while companies claimed operations were normal.

Over 1,000 motorcycle taxi drivers staged a strike in various Indonesian cities on Thursday, protesting low pay and demanding government intervention against perceived unfair practices by ride-sharing companies. Participants, donning green jackets, assembled outside the communications ministry and the Jakarta offices of major tech firms GoTo and Grab.

The protests led to some service delays and complaints on social media, particularly in Jakarta, notorious for severe traffic congestion. Spokespersons for GoTo's Gojek and Grab stated that their operations continued normally despite the strike, with Grab highlighting their tariff policies aimed at balancing demand and driver earnings.

Protest organizer Andi Kristiyanto from the National Online Taxi Coalition explained that drivers want a larger share of trip fares and special employment status for better fee negotiations. Labour law expert Nabiyla Risfa Izzati supports regulatory action, urging the government to establish fee structures and safeguard driver rights. The Indonesian manpower ministry was unavailable for comment, while the transport ministry encouraged platforms to heed driver concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)