Central Java Deputy Governor Prepares Protection App for Female Ojol Drivers
Deputy Governor of Central Java Taj Yasin Maimoen plans to launch a protection app specifically for female ride-hailing motorcycle drivers (ojol) in Central Java. The app is being prepared as a step to improve safety for female drivers while they work on the roads.
The plan to launch the app was announced by Taj Yasin at the Ngabuburide Berenergi event at the Pertamina Patra Niaga Regional Java Central office in Semarang, on Friday (6 March).
According to the man known as Gus Yasin, the idea for the app emerged after he held discussions with the female ojol driver community, or commonly referred to as ‘srikandi ojol’.
“From my chat with srikandi ojol, there is also the Kebaya Community from Purwokerto. They conveyed a range of complaints. They said Central Java is relatively safe, but we will launch a protection programme to address harassment and violence against srikandi ojol,” he said.
Through the app, female ojol drivers will be able to press an emergency button that will immediately connect to the surrounding environment, including the local RT committee. This feature is expected to help provide a quick response if any unpleasant behaviour occurs while the driver is on duty.
Taj Yasin added that the programme will not only be implemented in Semarang but will also be expanded to various other cities in Central Java. “Later, not only in Semarang City, but also in other cities in Central Java so that there is safety on the roads,” he said.
During the event, Taj Yasin also expressed his appreciation to the ojol drivers who are considered to make an important contribution to the community’s economic activity.
He admitted he uses ojol services quite often in his daily activities. He even makes it a point to meet with drivers when they are waiting for passengers.
According to him, the presence of ojol drivers also supports economic growth in Central Java. He hopes that during the upcoming Lebaran holiday, orders for ojol drivers will rise in line with the increasing number of tourists visiting.
At the event, in addition to meeting the ojol drivers, Taj Yasin also met orphans and students from Aceh and North Sumatra who were affected by disasters and are now in Semarang.
RESPONSE FROM THE OJOL COMMUNITY
Representative of the Semarang Ojol Community, Dewi, welcomed the plan to launch the protection app. She regarded the move as evidence of the government’s concern for the safety of women workers in the online transportation sector.
Dewi acknowledged that work as an ojol driver is still often undervalued and carries the risk of unpleasant treatment. Nevertheless, in seven years of work as a driver she has not yet experienced physical violence.
She only reported verbal abuse when transporting a passenger from Semarang to Salatiga. ‘I am grateful for the Central Java Provincial Government’s attention to protecting women. Great,’ she said.
Appreciation was also expressed by M. Haikal Zalfah, chairman of the Aceh Students Association in Semarang. He expressed thanks for the attention given by the Central Java Provincial Government to Aceh students affected by the disaster.
According to him, assistance from the Central Java Provincial Government is not only provided during the first three months but continues to be monitored to the present. ‘We, as Aceh students in Semarang, thank the Central Java Provincial Government very much,’ he said.