House Of Representatives Commission IX: Ojol Drivers Also Need To Get Legal Protection

JAKARTA - Member of Commission IX DPR RI, Netty Prasetiyani Aher assessed the need for regulations to ensure legal protection for online motorcycle taxi drivers (ojol) even though they are informal workers.

Because according to Netty, ojol drivers are an important part of Indonesia's digital economy transportation and driving system that must be protected.

"The status of these ojol drivers does not yet have legal certainty. This condition can put them in a vulnerable position," said Netty Prasetiyani Aher, Monday, May 5.

Netty said that there were no special regulations related to ojol, the main reason why drivers did not receive social security, work safety, and health insurance. Even though these ojol drivers continue to express their anxiety because they do not get legal protection and clarity from the state, including complaining to the DPR.

Netty assessed that this happened because the ojol had not been recognized de jure by the government. Ojol drivers even stated that during their years of work, they were often exploited both physically and psychologically.

Therefore, the DPR, both Commission IX of the DPR in charge of employment affairs, Commission V of the DPR in charge of transportation affairs and Commission I of the DPR related to the online system, continues to strive for regulations that can provide protection for ojol drivers. Netty also ensures that her party is ready to fight for it in Commission IX of the DPR.

"We will continue to oversee the aspirations of informal workers, including ojol drivers, so that the process of discussing regulations is included in the priority of discussing legislation in the DPR RI," said the PKS legislator from the West Java VIII electoral district.

Netty said a special regulation would ensure clarity of the legal status between the driver and the applicator company. This is important considering that there are many complaints from drivers regarding the work system they have been through so far, especially regarding the policy of cutting rates from applicators that is deemed very burdensome for drivers.

"Many complaints from drivers feel their position is not balanced, especially when the applicator's policy is considered detrimental," said Netty.

Furthermore, Netty, who is also the Chair of the DPR's Community Aspiration Agency (BAM), assessed that the aspirations of ojol drivers show that there is a policy pressure that has an impact on reducing income. For this reason, Netty asked the State to be present to provide legal protection for online transportation drivers so that they do not continue to be victims of unclear status.

"Of course, without clear regulations, ojol drivers cannot be other than to obey and obey these detrimental policies," he said.

On the other hand, Netty also welcomed President Prabowo Subianto's commitment to the commemoration of International Labor Day (May Day) 2025. He called Prabowo's promises a commitment that brought fresh air to the struggle of Indonesian workers.

"The commitment conveyed by President Prabowo in front of thousands of workers is proof that labor issues are receiving serious attention from the government," said Netty.

In his speech on Labor Day, Prabowo conveyed five promises to workers, namely the acceleration of ratification of the Housework Protection Bill (PPRT), the Asset Confiscation Bill, the establishment of the Labor Welfare Council, the Layoff Task Force, and the elimination of outsourcing. According to Netty, these promises will create social justice.

"The promise is in line with the spirit of social justice and protection for workers. The President specifically highlighted the importance of ratifying the PPRT Bill which has been fought for by various parties," said Netty.

"The PPRT Bill is a form of state presence in protecting groups of household workers who are vulnerable to various challenges. If the President is committed to encouraging his ratification, we at Commission IX, especially the PKS faction, are ready to oversee it," he continued.

Netty also assessed that various government programs such as vocational training must be carried out with a strong, transparent, and in favor of workers.

"We hope that this commitment will not stop at the Labor Day ceremony, but will be realized immediately in concrete policies that directly touch the lives of workers," he said.