Grab-Gojek Commission Cuts Leave Drivers Puzzled as Daily Earnings Remain Unchanged

Jakarta - Ride-hailing platforms Grab Indonesia and Gojek have begun implementing an 8% deduction on driver earnings, as stipulated in Presidential Regulation No. 27/2026, which came into effect on 1 July. However, drivers on the ground have expressed confusion, stating that their daily income feels almost identical to before the rule was enforced. The minimum fare has also been adjusted, with Grab reportedly setting the driver’s minimum take-home pay at Rp 10,200. A Grab driver explained that under the new rules, the previous flat-rate deductions for the budget ‘Hemat’ service have been scrapped. Previously, drivers were charged Rp 3,500 for one to three trips, up to a flat Rp 20,000 for ten or more trips. Now, a flat 8% is deducted from the total earnings of the Hemat service. The driver gave an example: earnings of Rp 200,000 from the Hemat service were reduced to Rp 184,000 after the 8% cut. For regular services, the 8% deduction is applied immediately after each trip. In one transaction shown, a passenger paid Rp 19,800, but the driver’s net income was Rp 15,500, calculated from a base fare component and a platform fee. For Gojek, the minimum fare for the Hemat service is Rp 10,212 and Rp 10,580 for the regular service. The Hemat fare breakdown shows the driver’s 92% share as Rp 10,212 and Gojek’s 8% cut as Rp 818, plus a voucher discount paid by Gojek. For regular services, the fare includes an application fee that varies per trip, along with a travel insurance surcharge. Drivers admitted they are struggling to understand the new calculation method. Many assumed the 8% would be deducted directly from the passenger’s total payment, but instead, various components are subtracted before the commission is applied. One driver voiced his confusion, asking what the 8% actually represents. Another noted that the application fee varies, increasing with distance. Several drivers reported that their overall income remains largely unchanged compared to before the 8% rule was implemented, with one driver earning Rp 250,000 for 20 trips and seeing no real difference.