Nandito Putra, Jakarta – Nearly half of Indonesia's online motorcycle taxi drivers do not receive holiday allowances for Eid al-Fitr, according to a survey by the Institute for Demographic and Affluence Studies (IDEAS).
The survey, titled Welfare of Online Drivers in 2025, was conducted from December 1 to 15, 2025, and involved 1,018 drivers across 63 regencies and cities nationwide. It found that 44.30 percent of respondents did not receive the Eid al-Fitr allowance, locally known as Bantuan Hari Raya (BHR).
"These findings point to serious problems in the distribution mechanism and eligibility scheme for BHR," IDEAS researcher Muhammad Anwar said in a written statement on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Even among drivers who received the allowance, the amounts were largely considered insufficient. The survey showed that 55.70 percent of recipients received relatively small sums, with 67.02 percent obtaining between Rp50,000 and Rp100,000.
"This amount is far from adequate to cover holiday needs and indicates that BHR has not been treated as a genuine welfare instrument," Anwar said.
According to the survey, 11.82 percent of recipients received between Rp101,000 and Rp250,000, while 13.23 percent obtained Rp251,000 to Rp500,000. Only a small number received higher amounts, with 1.59 percent receiving Rp501,000 to Rp750,000 and 6.35 percent receiving Rp751,000 to Rp900,000.
IDEAS said the findings underscore the need for a comprehensive review of the BHR policy. Some 40.77 percent of respondents said the allowance was too small, while 31.04 percent cited complicated eligibility criteria as a key obstacle.
Anwar said internal platform requirements often prevent active drivers from qualifying. Criteria such as a minimum of 25 active working days per month, at least 200 online hours, and acceptance and completion rates of up to 90 percent were described as overly restrictive.
"If even one requirement is not met, drivers can be disqualified or receive only the minimum amount," Anwar said.
The survey also highlighted limited government oversight. Around 21.91 percent of respondents expressed hope that the Ministry of Manpower would take a more assertive role in ensuring platform companies meet their welfare obligations.
Anwar argued that platform-based work already fulfills key labor elements, including defined tasks, income systems, and work control through digital applications. "Online drivers should no longer be treated merely as informal partners without adequate protection," he said.
Timing and inclusivity were also raised as concerns. While only 4.62 percent of respondents cited delays in disbursement, Anwar noted that allowances should be paid earlier, as holiday-related expenses arise well before Eid al-Fitr.
IDEAS also warned that concentrating BHR payments solely around Eid al-Fitr risks excluding non-Muslim drivers, despite their equal workload and contribution to platform services.
"BHR should be recognized as a worker's right tied to their respective religious holidays, not limited to Eid al-Fitr assistance," Anwar said.
He concluded that BHR should not be treated as a voluntary benefit from platform companies. "The fact that many drivers receive no allowance and most recipients receive only small amounts shows the need for serious reform," he said.