Key Facts
• May 2025: Nationwide protests by gig workers in Indonesia demanding better conditions.
• Protesters seek platform commission reduction from 20% to 10%.
• Indonesia’s population: 280 million; Gojek users in 2022: 64 million.
• Grab, a similar service, has 33.6 million users in Southeast Asia.
• Motorcycle taxis cost approximately $2.00 for a 10-kilometer trip.
• 2020: 4 million motorcycle taxi drivers reported nationwide.
• Survey: Jakarta delivery workers earn below the average minimum wage after expenses.
• Government and platforms claim 20% commission is essential for service maintenance.
• Protester Rio Raisan, 21, switched to driving after losing his job during COVID-19.
• Raisan pleads for even a small increase in earnings to improve his livelihood.
Summary
In May 2025, gig workers in Indonesia, including drivers for Gojek and Grab, staged nationwide protests demanding better working conditions. Key demands included reducing platform commissions from 20% to 10%. Indonesia, with a population of 280 million, has seen rapid growth in delivery apps, with Gojek alone serving 64 million users in 2022. Despite the popularity of these services due to affordability, many workers struggle financially. A survey revealed that Jakarta delivery workers earn below the average minimum wage after deducting expenses. The government and platforms have rejected demands, citing the necessity of the 20% commission for maintaining services. Protesters like Rio Raisan, who turned to driving after losing his job during the pandemic, highlight the financial hardships faced by gig workers.
