Republika.co.id, Jakarta \u2014 The government\u2019s policy to cut commissions\nfor online motorcycle taxi (ojol) services from 20 percent to 8 percent\nis seen to affect the earnings and profitability of app operators.\nHowever, economists say the change is unlikely to destabilise the\nsustainability of tech companies such as PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk or\nGrab Indonesia.<\/p>\n
An economist from Airlangga University, Rumayya Batubara, said the\nadjustment to commissions would influence the platforms\u2019 revenue,\nespecially from two-wheeled transport services. However, she noted the\nimpact does not automatically make the business unviable.<\/p>\n
\u201cGoTo itself acknowledges there is an impact on two-wheeled revenue.\nBut is this immediately threatening their business sustainability? Not\nautomatically,\u201d Rumayya said on Wednesday (20 May 2026).<\/p>\n
She explained that companies such as GoTo and Grab have diversified\ntheir businesses beyond ride-hailing services. According to her,\nbusiness lines such as financial technology (fintech), logistics, and\nother digital services can be a pillar when one segment comes under\nregulatory pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout 2025, GoTo\u2019s fintech net revenue grew 62 percent to Rp\n5.8 trillion. Moreover, AI-based operational efficiency also helped GoTo\nto post net profit for the first time in Q1 2026,\u201d Rumayya said.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, Rumayya warned that the policy of lowering commissions\ndoes not automatically improve drivers\u2019 welfare. She said that if\nconsumer fares rise, the number of riders could fall, impacting drivers\u2019\nincomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cA reduction in the platforms\u2019 commission does not automatically mean\ndriver earnings will rise. If consumer fares increase, riders may\ndecrease, orders may fall, and ultimately driver income could stagnate\nor even fall,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Earlier, the President issued Presidential Regulation No.\u00a027 of 2026\nregulating changes to the commission scheme for online two-wheeled\ntransport services. Following the rule, GoTo said it would implement\nadjustments to its Gojek business.<\/p>\n
GoTo\u2019s Chief Executive Hans Patuwo said the company would adjust the\nrevenue-sharing arrangement for two-wheeled services in line with\ngovernment direction. Additionally, the GoRide Hemat subscription\nprogramme would be terminated and would adopt the new 8 percent\ncommission scheme similar to regular GoRide services.<\/p>\n
Hans assured that the company would continue various welfare\nprogrammes for driver-partners, from Hari Raya Bonus (BHR), BPJS\nKetenagakerjaan and BPJS Kesehatan participation, to scholarships and\nfree Umrah for driver-partners.<\/p>\n
According to Hans, the strength of the business ecosystem remains the\nmain capital for the company in facing the regulatory changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the strength of the ecosystem and ongoing innovation, we are\noptimistic we can make the necessary adjustments while maintaining\nGojek\u2019s and GoTo\u2019s long-term stability,\u201d Hans said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Grab Indonesia CEO Neneng Goenadi said the company will\ncontinue to coordinate with the government and all stakeholders to\nensure the implementation of the new rules proceeds smoothly for\ntwo-wheeled ride-hailing driver-partners.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ojol-platform-operators-profits-expected-to-be-squeezed-economist-digital-ecosystem-becomes-the-main-support-1779542988", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }