Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta – Bara Muhammad Setiadi, a researcher from the Center for Economic and Law Studies (Celios), stated that online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers must put in extra hours to earn an income comparable to other workers.
According to Bara, ojol drivers need to work 55 hours per week to earn an average monthly salary of Rp 2.84 million. This salary is on par with that of regular workers who work just 41 hours per week.
He pointed out that the nearly identical income despite the longer hours seems unfair from the workers' perspective. However, ojol drivers are trapped in this situation because their status is limited to a partnership with the online transportation service provider.
"Ojol drivers have to work longer to achieve the same living standards as other workers," Bara said during a Zoom discussion on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Despite this, Bara noted that ojol drivers have the potential to earn more than other workers if they dedicate all their time to finding passengers. However, this would come at the cost of their health, as it would deprive them of necessary rest and time with their families.
The partnership status given to ojol drivers has drawn criticism and complaints from the online motorcycle taxi union. One such concern was voiced by Lily Pujiati, Chairperson of the Indonesian Transportation Workers Union (SPAI). She argued that this partnership status results in losses for ojol drivers and couriers in terms of their welfare.
In November 2024, SPAI reiterated its request to the government to recognize ojol drivers as permanent employees, in line with Law Number 13 of 2003 on Manpower (Manpower Law). Most recently, on May 20, 2025, demands to grant ojol drivers permanent employee status resurfaced with a mass rally at the Horse Statue in Central Jakarta.
SPAI believes that by eliminating this discriminatory partnership scheme, ojol drivers could work a standard 8-hour day, eliminating the need to work 12 to 17 hours daily. This would also ensure that drivers get adequate rest, reducing fatigue and the risk of accidents on the road.
"In addition, ojol drivers would have two days off, on Saturday and Sunday," Lily said in her written statement.
– Adil Al Hasan contributed to the writing of this article.