Sutrisno Jambul
Motorcycle taxis, better known as ojek, no longer swarm Jakarta’s streets following the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Jakarta administration has imposed large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) from April 10 until May 22 with the possibility of extension. Ojek drivers are banned from transporting passengers during this period.
This situation has significantly impacted the earnings of ojek drivers, both conventional and online ones.
As ride-hailing platforms have temporarily disabled the ojek service, their driver-partners are relying on food and package delivery services. Some have decided to become conventional ojek drivers so they can transport passengers, although it is unlawful.
However, being a conventional ojek driver is no easier. More often than not, they wait the whole day and cannot get any passengers.
The diminishing earnings of ojek drivers has caught public attention. Some organizations and individuals arranged donations to provide meals and staple food for the drivers to help them survive this difficult time. [yps]