Jakarta – Thousands of app-based ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers from Jakarta and other regions staged a protest in front of the legislative complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta to demand better employment packages on Monday.
The drivers previously rallied in front of Merdeka Palace last month, demanding that the government step in to issue a regulation that would increase their per kilometer rate from incoming fares.
"We just want a decent income and legal standing," Wahyu, 44, a Grab motorcycle driver from Cirebon, West Java, told The Jakarta Post.
Wahyu said drivers demanded that the House pass legislation that regulated app-based ojek operators' partnerships with the drivers.
Wahyu was among ojek drivers from outside Greater Jakarta participating in the rally, which was organized by the Gabungan Aksi Roda Dua Indonesia group.
He said drivers' complaints usually fell on deaf ears. "We want a horizontal [equal] relationship with our app operators, unlike the current system, which is very unequal," Wahyu said.
Jakarta Police have diverted traffic on Jl. Gatot Subroto in front of the legislative complex, however the busway lane remains open for Transjakarta buses. (ami)