Gig Economy Becomes New Social Safety Net as Grab Reveals Partners' Role Amidst Economic Uncertainty
Flexible work models based on digital platforms—or gig economy—are increasingly establishing their role in Indonesia’s employment landscape. Amid shifts in labour market structure and economic uncertainty, partnership schemes are regarded as a modern social safety net capable of maintaining productivity across ages and backgrounds.
This was conveyed by Grab Indonesia CEO Neneng Goenadi during a presentation on Grab’s driver partner ecosystem in Indonesia. According to her, technology has opened work access that was previously impossible before the mature digital era.
“This model, as we often discuss, is a responsive social safety net model, especially for people seeking alternative income or not yet absorbed in the formal sector,” said Neneng.
She emphasised that partnership schemes allow individuals to join quickly without lengthy recruitment processes. In a dynamic economic situation, such flexibility provides space for anyone to remain productive.
“Amid economic dynamics and changes in labour market structure, partnership schemes provide space for every individual to remain productive and obtain independent income potential. This is what was impossible in the pre-digitalisation era,” she explained.
Internal data shows more than 50% of driver partners are aged above 36 years, with many over 45 years old. In terms of education, 69% are high school graduates, whilst 31% have higher education qualifications.
Interestingly, approximately 50% of motorcycle taxi partners were previously victims of retrenchment (PHK). This fact reinforces the gig economy’s position as an informal safety net amid formal sector uncertainty.
“If you look at it, 50%, or one in two motorcycle taxi partners, were previously victims of retrenchment. This is what we call Grab being a social safety net for them,” said Neneng.
To date, the total registered partners since 2015 reaches 3.7 million people. However, those active with at least one transaction per month range from 700,000 to 800,000 people. This figure fluctuates because flexibility is a core characteristic of this system.
“They might be active this month but not active last month at all. So we count those active in the current month,” she explained.
Notably, the majority of partners do not make the platform their primary income source. More than 80% of two-wheeler partners use it as supplementary income. For four-wheelers, approximately 67% is also secondary.
“For example, after work in the evening on the way home, they might accept a ride. It’s decent for paying petrol,” Neneng described this flexible work pattern.
However, on the other side, there are partners who make the platform their primary livelihood with significant earnings. In the two-wheeler category, consistent drivers can earn above IDR 10 million per month with an average of 28 orders per day.
One example is Pak Suyanto, who joined in 2015 and managed to finance his children’s schooling, pay instalments on a house in Cirebon, and open a laundry business for his wife. There is also Pak Martin Budi, who was retrenched but remained active as a partner and earned IDR 4–10 million per month despite returning to work as a security guard.
In the four-wheeler segment, Ibu Yusmi Hasfa illustrates economic mobility. Initially a two-wheeler partner since 2016, she switched to four-wheelers in 2023 and now earns above IDR 10 million monthly to support six children.
Another story comes from Mbak Rosya Bonalisa, who joined after her husband’s death to finance three children, as well as Dr Rosalia Doris, who remains active as a driver whilst pursuing specialist studies in internal medicine. All demonstrate that the gig economy has become part of layered financial strategies.
To strengthen this role, Grab Indonesia launched the “Grab for Indonesia” programme with a commitment of over IDR 100 billion. The programme includes three main focuses: protection through free BPJS Employment for high-performing partners, holiday bonuses, and the “Partner Upgrade” programme.
“Sustainable business growth can only be realised if driver partners feel safe, empowered, and have a future,” Neneng emphasised.
The upgrade programme allows partners to transition from two-wheelers to four-wheelers, become merchant partners, or develop new businesses. More than 1,700 two-wheeler partners have upgraded to four-wheelers, and over 3,400 partners have evolved into merchant partners.
In the context of modern lifestyles, the gig economy is no longer viewed as temporary work. It has evolved into an adaptive strategy for navigating liquid economies, allowing people to have multiple income sources, control work schedules according to needs, and access social mobility opportunities.
Amid global uncertainty, flexibility is no longer an optional extra but a necessity. Through the digital ecosystem, this social safety net is now in the hands of millions of partners across Indonesia.