Labour Minister: Application-based Transport Companies Committed to Improving Festive Bonus Scheme for Ride-hailing Drivers This Year

Jakarta — Labour Minister Yassierli has stated that application-based transport companies are committed to improving the festive bonus (BHR) scheme and amount for ride-hailing drivers this year.

“We held meetings with the application companies a few days ago, and the message is consistent. We are aligning perceptions and want to ensure that this year’s BHR is better, with wider distribution of benefits,” the Labour Minister said when met in Jakarta on Friday.

“The festive bonus is clearly a commitment from the applications companies, so we maintain communication to make it better. Better means a larger value, but we also need to consider the companies’ financial situation,” he added.

Regarding the bonus amount, Yassierli said more time is needed as each application company has different categories or criteria for awarding bonuses.

However, the Labour Minister emphasised the importance of balancing fairness with flexibility inherent in the highly adaptable gig economy model.

“We need to be fair and understand the flexibility of this business model, so the BHR should correspond with driver partners’ activity levels,” said the Labour Minister. “Full-time workers should receive different amounts than part-time workers, because this business model differs from conventional employment,” he added.

When asked about the form of regulations for this year’s festive bonus, Yassierli requested patience as consultation with President Prabowo Subianto and relevant ministries is still ongoing.

“We will wait, as I am still awaiting consultation with the President,” said Labour Minister Yassierli.

The festive bonus was first introduced through Labour Minister Circular Letter No. M/3/HK.04.00/III/2025 concerning the Provision of Religious Festive Bonuses in 2025 for Drivers and Couriers on Application-based Transport Services, issued in March 2025.

According to last year’s circular letter on festive bonuses, the bonus is distributed proportionally according to performance in the form of cash, calculated at 20 per cent of average net monthly income over the past 12 months, given to productive drivers and couriers with good performance records. Additionally, bonus disbursement follows applicable regulations, with companies required to distribute payments no later than seven days before Eid al-Fitr.