Online Ride-Hailing Crisis in Greater Jakarta: Long Wait Times for Drivers, Food Deliveries Arrive Cold

Jakarta, 12 March 2026 — Multiple workers in Jakarta have complained of increasing difficulty obtaining online ride-hailing services (ojol) in recent weeks, particularly during peak hours approaching the iftar meal time through the evening.

Wait times that typically lasted only one to three minutes now frequently extend beyond 10 minutes, and in some cases up to half an hour.

The phenomenon, which some users have termed an “ojol crisis,” is being experienced by numerous employees who depend on ride-hailing transport for their daily mobility.

“Recently, since the fasting month began, it has become more difficult to get ojol. Especially during work-leave hours and approaching iftar time,” said Nurul when contacted by Kompas.com on Thursday (12 March 2026).

“Initially I thought it was normal because many people order around iftar time and fewer drivers are available. But it turns out even at night it’s difficult,” she explained.

Nurul is based in Depok, West Java, but works in Jakarta. Daily, she travels from Depok to Jakarta using public transport, including ride-hailing services.

Recently, whilst returning from work, Nurul experienced difficulty obtaining a ride-hailing service despite it being nearly midnight.

“Once at 11 PM when I arrived at Depok Baru, it was still difficult, many drivers were turning off their apps and I don’t know why,” Nurul said.

“When I finally got one, the distance was far, taking 10-14 minutes, whereas usually it’s 2-3 minutes,” she added.

“Now it can take 15 minutes just waiting. I become reluctant when leaving for communal iftar because it’s definitely difficult,” Nurul stated.

“It can waste half an hour just to order a ride,” she emphasised.

Naomi (21), another private sector employee, also acknowledged experiencing long wait times to obtain a ride-hailing driver. She typically experiences this condition when leaving the office in the afternoon.

However, in the morning, she reported not yet experiencing such difficulties as occur in the afternoon. In the past two weeks, Naomi has frequently experienced wait times of 20 to 30 minutes to obtain a ride-hailing driver.