Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi has told ride-hailing apps  Go-Jek and Grab  to immediately settle issues with their drivers, who have held demonstrations to demand that their employers fulfill commitments. 

Members of the National Ride-Hailing App Drivers Alliance (Aliando) held a demonstration last week demanding the operators fulfill their promises, including to end drivers’ suspension, to provide training for the drivers and to eliminate income taxes.

Budi said the ministry would try to act as a mediator to find a solution. 

However, the ministry may also punish the operators if they are found to have violated regulations. 

According to Budi, the government had conveyed drivers' wishes to the operators.  

“We listened to the voices of all parties, including drivers and passengers, and we have informed the providers, but they did not respect the agreements,” Budi said as reported by kompas.com.

He called on Go-Jek and Grab to settle their problems to prevent the emergence of new problems, such as worsening traffic jams sparked by drivers’ demonstrations.

Budi also warned the drivers to abide by the law when holding demonstrations. “Please seek better ways. We will also help them [drivers and operators] to meet,” the minister added. (bbn)