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Govt readying new rights rules for 'ojol' drivers
A new Manpower Ministry regulation is in the works to guarantee social protection and security for informal workers with so-called partner status, including on-demand motorcycle drivers.
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On-demand transportation and delivery motorcycle drivers, also known as ‘ojol’, hold a rally on Aug. 22, 2024 along an overpass located some 200 meters from the House of Representatives in Senayan, Jakarta. (JP/Salman M. Vermonte)
T
he Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister is drafting a regulation to guarantee the rights of motorcycle drivers providing on-demand transportation and delivery services, known colloquially as ojol, such as health and employment insurance.
Coordinating Economic Minister Airlangga Sutarto was appointed to replace Ida Fauziyah as manpower minister for the interim, after she tendered her resignation on Monday to be installed the following day as a House of Representatives lawmaker of the National Awakening Party (PKB).
Susiwijono Moegiarso, secretary at Airlangga’s office, said the new provisions would be issued as a Manpower Ministry regulation (Permenaker).
"We will amend the existing government regulation, but it will take time. The [ministerial regulation] is quicker. If we can do it through Permenaker, then Permenaker it is," Susiwijono said on Wednesday in Jakarta, as quoted by Kompas.com.
The upcoming regulation aims to address the concerns raised by the National Ojol Coalition (KON).
At a meeting with Deputy Communications and Information Minister Angga Raka Prabowo in late August, KON representatives asked the communications ministry to evaluate and oversee business activities, including certain programs provided via mobile apps, they deemed were unfair to on-demand motorcycle drivers.
The government would assess the drivers’ needs and explore ways to ensure that on-demand services companies fulfilled their rights, Susiwijono said. In addition, it would review their designated status as "partner", which limited the provision of full benefits to drivers.
"If drivers are to be given full rights, we need to determine what is necessary and how the government can assist," said Susiwijono.
He noted that the provisions for on-demand drivers might differ from those for regular employees, due to the unique nature of the gig economy.
"They have their own characteristics, so there will be adjustments. It won't be the same as for other workers," Susiwijono said.
Ida revealed in March that House Commission IX, which oversees health and labor issues, had urged the Manpower Ministry to design a new regulation to guarantee social protection and security for “partner” workers, including on-demand drivers.
"There are currently no regulations for workers with partner status, which is why Commission IX asked the ministry to prepare a regulation that ensures [their] social protection and security," she said on March 26, as quoted by Kompas.com.
