Ride-Hailing Giant Shuts Down in Indonesia, Now Driver Faces Legal Case

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Uber is once again facing trial in a federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States. The case involves one of its drivers sexually assaulting a passenger.

For context, Uber previously operated in Indonesia before exiting the market in 2018. All of Uber’s operations in Southeast Asia were subsequently taken over by Grab.

In Uber’s latest case, an anonymous plaintiff experienced the incident after arriving at her destination in Raleigh, North Carolina, at 2 a.m. in March 2019. It was reported that the Uber driver grabbed the inner thigh, after which the victim fled the vehicle, as cited from Reuters on Tuesday (14/4/2026).

Uber does not deny the incident. However, the company, which once operated in Indonesia, describes itself as a software company and not a public carrier like a taxi.

This distinction means Uber has no legal obligation to protect passengers under North Carolina law.

Uber is also said not to be responsible for the actions of individuals who are independent contractors unless proven otherwise.

A company spokesperson stated that the incident was never reported to Uber or law enforcement. The matter only came to light after the lawsuit was filed in court.

“Sexual assault is a horrific crime that we take very seriously. We are focused on investing in technology, policies, and partnerships to strengthen safety, help prevent harm, and support survivors,” said the Uber spokesperson.

A sexual assault case also occurred involving an Uber user in Oklahoma. She claimed that a driver in Arizona assaulted and raped her during a trip in 2023.

In a February hearing, it was ruled that the driver was an agent of Uber. The company also bears responsibility for that driver.

The company provided $8.5 million in compensation to the victim but refused to pay punitive damages. The plaintiff’s lawyer is demanding more than $140 million (Rp 2.3 trillion).