Imam Suhartadi, Jakarta – A recent survey has shown that operational costs have taken out a huge chunk out of Indonesia's ride-hailing drivers' monthly income, slashing what they bring home a month to just Rp 1.7 million ($95).
Think-tank institute for Demographic and Affluence Studies (IDEAS) held a survey in December 2025, about a few months before President Prabowo Subianto unveiled plans in May to increase the online motorcycle taxi drivers' pay share.
IDEAS reported that these ride-hailing or "ojol" drivers earned a monthly net income of Rp 1.7 million in 2025, down from Rp 2.9 million (almost $163) in 2023. The survey attributed the decrease to rising daily operational costs.
As many as 1,018 drivers across 67 cities and regencies became respondents to this survey. Their average daily gross income had also plummeted from Rp 168,000 (roughly $9.43) in 2023 to Rp 126,000 ($7) (2025). Daily operational costs rose from Rp 53,000 to Rp 58,000 (up to $3.25) over the same period, accounting for about 46% of gross income.
The economic pressure has prompted drivers to work longer hours. Roughly 51% have to work 9-12 hours a day, while 55.5% also pick up passengers for 7 days straight. Some 50.3% even have had accidents since joining the ride-hailing apps.
"Ojol work is now a lifeline for the urban poor, but it is carried out in highly vulnerable situations. The risk of accidents is high, long working hours, yet they receive minimum social protection," IDEAS researcher Muhammad Anwar said.
The IDEAS study highlighted the high deductions applicators charge drivers. Around 53% percent of respondents reported being charged a 20% deduction, while the deductions can range between 25-30% to some. Promos also become another challenge; some even admit to having lost between Rp 2,000 ($0.11) and Rp 10,000 ($0.56) per order.
The apps also recognize the drivers as "partners", rather than formal employees. This status allows companies to avoid formal employment obligations despite having significant control over the drivers. IDEAS urges the government to improve the drivers' working conditions.
On May Day, the government vowed to cap the drivers' commission fees at 8%, way down from the current 20%. In other words, drivers should be able to bring home 92% of the fare revenue for each trip. Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara has bought less than 1% stake in GoTo – which oversees the online motorcycle taxi giant Gojek – to make these changes happen.