PRIME NEWS POST
The INDONESIAN — The Communication Forum for Marginalized Ride-Hailing Drivers (FORKOT), a coalition of organizations, communities, and associations representing online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers from across Indonesia, has issued a joint statement outlining its position and expectations regarding national policies governing online transportation services.
FORKOT affirmed its full support for government efforts to strengthen protection for ride-hailing drivers. However, the group emphasized that several current policy proposals require comprehensive review to ensure they do not negatively impact the sustainability of the digital economy, employment opportunities, or the national investment climate.
According to FORKOT, online transportation has become a key driver of the national economy, integrating various stakeholders including drivers, platform operators, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) or merchants, consumers, and the digital investment sector. Consequently, any regulatory changes must maintain a balanced approach that safeguards the interests of all parties involved.
The key points of aspiration and demands submitted by FORKOT are as follows:
1. Urgent review of the 8% commission deduction policy, taking into account a fair balance between the interests of drivers, platform operators, merchants, consumers, and the sustainability of investment in the digital economy sector.
2. Rejection of proposals to reclassify driver partners as formal employees or laborers, as this is believed to reduce the flexibility inherent in the partnership model and limit public access to economic opportunities.
3. Demand for the establishment of fair and reasonable service tariffs, determined with consideration for real-world operational conditions, running costs, and adequate income levels for drivers.
4. Call for standardized and proportional distance regulations for pick-up and travel routes, to create certainty and efficiency for both drivers and service users.
5. Urge the government and platform operators to include driver representatives in every stage of policy formulation, ensuring that resulting regulations are participatory and effectively targeted.
6. Support for enhanced driver protection, including transparent account suspension mechanisms, stronger social security provisions, and legal certainty — all while preserving the existing partnership system.
FORKOT expressed hope that the government will facilitate objective, inclusive dialogue involving all components of the online transportation ecosystem. Such discussions should aim to formulate policies that strike a balance between protecting drivers, ensuring business continuity, and maintaining the competitiveness of Indonesia’s digital economy.
“Ride-hailing drivers need genuine protection, but the national digital ecosystem must also continue to grow in a healthy, sustainable manner without disrupting the country’s investment climate,” stated Okky POI, Coordinator of FORKOT. (L/Reporter)
Reported from various media sources //photo from Google documents // contribution by Prime News Post international online media // news.paper
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