Labour Minister Assures Better Holiday Bonus Distribution for Online Ride-Hailing Drivers This Year

Indonesia’s Labour Minister, Yassierli, has assured that ride-hailing application companies have committed to improving the scheme and amount of holiday bonuses (BHR) to be distributed to online motorcycle taxi (ojol) driver partners this year.

He disclosed that he had held a meeting with application service providers several days prior to discuss their commitments to enhance BHR distribution to ojol drivers.

“The essence is the same. So we continue to align our perception and we want to ensure that the holiday bonus this year is indeed better, and that more people receive its benefits,” said the Labour Minister in Jakarta on Friday, 27 February 2026.

“The holiday bonus is clearly a commitment from application companies, so we always communicate to make it better. Better in the sense that the value is larger, but we must also consider the company’s financial condition,” he stated.

Regarding the bonus amount, Yassierli acknowledged that more time is needed to develop categories or criteria for bonus distribution from each application provider. However, he emphasised the importance of considering both fairness and flexibility, given the highly flexible nature of gig economy work.

“So indeed, compared to last year, we must be fair and understand the flexibility conditions of this business model, therefore the holiday bonus should be proportional to their activity levels (driver partners),” said the Labour Minister.

“A full-time driver should be different from a part-time driver. Because this business model is different from regular employment,” he added.

When asked about the form of regulation for this year’s holiday bonus distribution, Yassierli requested patience as he needs to consult with President Prabowo Subianto and relevant ministries.

“We’ll wait, as I’m still waiting to consult with the President first,” he said.

For context, holiday bonuses were first introduced through Labour Ministry Circular Letter No. M/3/HK.04.00/III/2025 concerning Holiday Bonuses for 2025 for Drivers and Couriers on Application-Based Transportation Services, issued in March 2025.

According to last year’s Labour Ministry circular on holiday bonuses, bonuses are distributed proportionally based on performance in the form of cash, calculated at 20 per cent of the average monthly net income over the previous 12 months for productive and high-performing application-based drivers and couriers.