Drivers Claim Income Drops Despite 8% App Fee Cap

The government has set a maximum deduction of 8 per cent for ride-hailing app operators, effective 1 July 2026. On paper, the policy was designed to benefit drivers who previously faced deductions of 20 per cent or more.

However, the reality on the ground has been different. Instead of increasing their earnings, a number of drivers are reporting that their income has actually declined since the cap was implemented.

Romi, a 28-year-old ride-hailing driver, said the policy has had a significant impact on his income over the past few weeks. “Since the 8 per cent deduction was introduced, my income has actually decreased,” he told Republika in the Gondangdia area of Central Jakarta on Monday (20/7/2026).

He explained that the number of orders he receives has dropped sharply. Previously, he could earn between Rp 400,000 and Rp 500,000 a day by working from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, completing an average of 40 orders.