Indonesian motorcycle taxi drivers go on strike to protest low wages

The drivers want ride-hailing companies to increase the share they receive for each trip from the current 80 percent and for the government to grant special status to their working conditions so they have more bargaining power over fees, said Andi Kristiyanto, a representative of the National Online Taxi Coalition, which organized the protest.

Wandi, a driver, said he works 10 hours a day but earns less than 150,000 rupiah ($9.73) most days. His daily income is less than Jakarta’s minimum wage of 5 million rupiah ($324.5).

“We want the platforms to listen to us,” said Wandi, who gave only one name.

GoTo and Grab offer ride-hailing, food delivery and other services in several Southeast Asian countries and have a combined market capitalization of about US$18 billion.

Companies recognize drivers as partners, so they have no legal obligation to set minimum wages, pay social security or limit working hours, said Nabiyla Risfa Izzati, a labor law professor at Gadjah Mada University.

“It is right to put pressure on the government to be responsible for regulating the companies,” she said, adding that it should set floor and ceiling rates for drivers in all sectors, such as ride-hailing and food delivery services.

Indonesia’s labor ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while the transportation ministry said it does not regulate fees, urging platforms to listen to drivers.