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Jokowi meets with online ‘ojek’ drivers; promises mediation
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Dozens of "ojek" (motorcycle taxi) drivers wait for passengers on the road near Palmerah Station in Jakarta on March 8. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
P
resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo received representatives of online ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Jokowi said the drivers told him about a tariff war among ride-hailing firms that affected their earnings.
“I have instructed the transportation minister as well as the communications and information minister to invite the firms [of the ride-hailing apps] in a meeting that will also be attended by the drivers. They have to talk to find a solution so that no party inflicts any loss,” said the President.
Speaking about the solution that the government would propose, Jokowi said it depended on the result of Wednesday's meeting, but he considered that there should be floor and ceiling tariffs for their service.
The President addressed the online ojek drivers, who protested in the front of the palace since the morning, at around 1:45 p.m.
During the demonstration, the drivers demanded higher rates for their services, which was currently at Rp 1,600 (11.68 US cents) per kilometer.
"The drivers consider Rp 1,600 per km too low. They have to drive 6 km to obtain Rp 10,000," Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi told The Jakarta Post after meeting.
Budi said the government would hold a mediation meeting between the drivers and the ride-hailing firms on Wednesday. "We will conduct a mediation at 4 p.m. tomorrow," the minister added. (bbn)
