Ride-hailing Drivers vs App Operators Heat Up Tensions as Expert Urges Government to Mediate
A wave of demonstrations by ride-hailing drivers (ojol) has taken place in several regions of Indonesia, as drivers voice various regulatory demands to the government. Dr Subarsono, a lecturer in the Public Policy Management programme at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (Fisipol), offered his views on the issue.
He said the demonstrations staged by drivers in recent times prove that their demands have not been fully addressed by either the government or the app operators. He assessed that the government must promptly assume a dual role as regulator and mediator so the issue does not linger and affect public services.
“The ojol driver demonstrations show that the government has not been responsive in advancing the interests and demands of ojol drivers,” Subarsono told detikJogja on Thursday (21 May 2026).
He argued that the current moment should be used by the government to clarify the regulations governing the relationship between app operators and drivers. To date, drivers feel the income share they receive does not reflect the workload on the ground.
“As regulator, the government needs to prepare regulations. If the regulation is set out in law, then cooperation with Parliament (DPR) is required,” he said.
Subarsono also referenced President Prabowo Subianto’s Labour Day address, in which he stated the aim of ensuring that drivers receive around 92 percent of revenue. The statement, he said, should be promptly followed up by the relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of Manpower.
“The president’s Labour Day speech, which seeks to ensure that ojol drivers receive around 92 percent of revenue, needs to be followed up by his aides, namely the Minister of Manpower,” he stated.
Subarsono added that the strained relationship between drivers and app operators could potentially impact service quality for the public who use online transportation.
“The fraying relationship between the operator owners and ojol drivers will inevitably affect public service, especially ojol users,” he said.
He argued that drivers feel the share of revenue received is too small because a large portion of profits is seen to flow to the app operators. Therefore, a legal framework protecting drivers’ rights and welfare is urgently needed.
“A legal umbrella must be created promptly to protect drivers’ rights and welfare while avoiding exploitation by platform owners,” he said.
Subarsono urged the government, particularly the Minister of Manpower, to quickly bring the two sides together to seek a middle ground.
“The government’s role as mediator should bring together the two sides—the representatives of ojol drivers and the owners of ojol apps—so that dialogue, negotiations and compromises can occur between the opposing interests,” he concluded.
(dil/dil)