Labour Minister Guarantees Ride-hailing Drivers Will Receive Holiday Allowance This Year with Increased Value

Labour Minister Yassierli has confirmed that ride-hailing drivers will receive their Bonus Hari Raya (BHR) or holiday allowance this year, with application-based transport companies committing to provide higher values compared to the previous year.

This assurance came after the Ministry of Labour held intensive meetings with application-based transport companies in recent days. The primary focus of these meetings was to align perceptions and ensure that the reach of BHR beneficiaries this year could be broader.

“We conducted meetings with application operators a few days ago. We continue to align our understanding and we want to ensure that this year’s BHR is indeed better and that the beneficiaries are also more widespread,” the minister said at the Ministry of Labour office in Jakarta on Friday, 27 February.

Regarding the BHR scheme, Yassierli stated that the government would still consult with the President through coordinating ministers before making further decisions.

“We need to consult with the President first, perhaps on Monday or Tuesday of next week. After that, we will report on all matters related to our meetings with the operators,” he said.

However, concerning the amount of increase, Yassierli could not provide specifics because each operator has its own categories.

“Wait for the increase amounts—each operator will have their own categories,” Yassierli explained.

He added that the mechanism for providing BHR continues to consider the activity level of drivers, given that the online transportation business model differs from that of formal workers.

According to him, the scheme must be implemented fairly whilst understanding the work flexibility of drivers. The BHR amount for drivers working full-time would naturally differ from those working part-time, as the characteristics of their work relationships are not the same as ordinary workers.

“Indeed, consistent with last year, we must be fair and understand the flexibility conditions of this business, so the BHR must correspond with their activity level,” he said.

“Those who operate full-time should be different from those who work part-time. Because this business model is different from ordinary workers,” the minister explained.

Meanwhile, regarding whether the BHR policy will be advisory or mandatory as in the previous year, Yassierli stated that he is still awaiting the results of consultation with the President.

“Let’s wait, as I am still awaiting consultation with the President,” he concluded.