Ojek Online Drivers Cheer as Grab and Gojek Axe the Hemat Programme: Hopefully Earnings Will Rise
Tangerang, Kompas.com – A number of online motorcycle taxi drivers (ojol) welcomed the scrapping of the Hemat subscription programme, which had for some time primarily benefited customers by offering cheaper fare options. One such ojol driver, Cecep (45), said the cheap fares had left drivers’ incomes not commensurate with the operating costs they incur daily.
“I personally am happy with Grab and Gojek’s decision to stop this programme. Hopefully, after the Hemat service is halted, drivers’ earnings can rise again and align more closely with the rules in the Presidential Regulation,” Cecep said when approached in Pondok Aren, South Tangerang, on Wednesday (20 May 2026).
“This decision could benefit drivers, especially in terms of income. Without fares that are too cheap, it is hoped orders coming in will have a more respectable value for drivers,” Cecep added.
However, he said the scrapping of the programme would not affect him greatly, as he prefers regular orders.
“I’m more comfortable taking normal orders, yes, in line with the working conditions and the earnings I expect,” Cecep said.
Similarly, another ojol driver, Anjas (29), said the Hemat programme had been more advantageous for customers because of cheaper fares, but had burdened drivers.
According to him, drivers who joined the programme had to pay certain fees to the app operator in order to obtain Hemat service orders.
“Hemat is paid. We pay to join Hemat Bike, to the Hemat argo fares,” Anjas said.
“On Grab, it depends on orders. For example, one to two orders cost Rp 3,000; two to four orders Rp 8,500; and up to Rp 20,000 a day,” he explained.
Nevertheless, he admitted his earnings were eroded by the programme’s deductions.
“It should be able to buy petrol, should be able to buy food, but instead it is deducted by the app because of the Hemat programme,” he said.
Although supporting scrapping of the Hemat service, Anjas admitted concern that customers would switch to other platforms if travel tariffs rise.