JAKARTA - The head of the Sidoarjo Quick Response Unit (URC), Zulkurnain, highlighted the fate of online motorcycle taxi drivers (ojol), who according to him are still far from the sense of social justice and prosperity that should be guaranteed by the state. He expressed this feeling at the 80th moment of independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
In an open oration held in the courtyard of the Sidoarjo URC Office, Zulkurnain said that independence is not just a flag-raising ritual or the 17's race, but a noble goal that must be realized in real life, especially in fighting for the rights of informal worker groups such as ojol drivers.
True independence does not only belong to those who have economic and political access. Ojol drivers are today's fighters. They work tirelessly, day and night on the streets, to support their families. But unfortunately, many of them have not felt the proper justice," he said in front of dozens of ojol drivers who attended, Friday, August 22, 2025.
He strongly criticized the current digital economic system, which according to him is still unequal and does not side with driver-partners. Starting from determining unilateral rates, unclear work status, to the lack of legal protection when facing problems in the field.
Many ojol drivers suddenly cut off their partners for no apparent reason, no defense space, no proper social security. This is a form of new style suppression in the digital era. Independence must also be present in the form of protection and recognition of them," he continued.
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This action is not only a forum for conveying aspirations, but also a form of solidarity. Together with ojol drivers, URC Sidoarjo held a symbolic procession to raise the Red and White flag accompanied by the singing of the song "Indonesia Raya". The ojol drivers wore their distinctive jackets while carrying small flags and banners that read Freedom for All.
One of the ojol drivers who attended, Andi (34), admitted that he was touched and hoped that their voices would no longer be ignored.
"We are not asking for more, we just want to be treated fairly. Thank you to the Chairperson of the URC who has raised his voice for us. Hopefully this is not just a ceremony, but the beginning of real change," he said.
URC Sidoarjo stated that it is ready to become a bridge between the ojol driver community and local governments and legislative institutions, so that these aspirations can be appointed in official forums for policy formation.
Zulkurnain highlighted the unilateral policy of online motorcycle taxi applicators who were considered to be detrimental to the welfare of drivers. One of the policies that was complained about was the emergence of a Paid Grab Hemat service feature which was considered very detrimental to drivers.
"This program does not pay attention to the operational burden of the drivers and actually reduces their income significantly," said Zulkurnain.
He also expressed deep concern over the unfair practices carried out by the applicator. The unilateral reduction in tariffs, without considering the needs of life and operational costs, is considered very inhumane. According to him, the policy keeps drivers away from welfare which should be their right.
Furthermore, Zulkurnain highlighted the non-compliance with applicators to regulations set by the government, including the minimum tariff for online motorcycle taxis.
"The rates imposed are very low, not in accordance with existing regulations, and actually cause harm to the driver," he said.
The East Java Governor's Decree (SK) was also caused by the applicator. For this reason, Zulkurnain urged that a Governor Regulation be issued specifically to regulate the existence and rights of online drivers, including the application of strict sanctions for violators.
He also emphasized the importance of direct involvement of driver representatives in the preparation of the regulation.
In addition, Zulkurnain condemned the practice of suspension and termination of partnerships unilaterally by the applicator.
"Many drivers are suddenly suspended without clarification or defense, and this injures the principle of justice in partnership," he concluded.
Online motorcycle taxi drivers hope that local governments will immediately take concrete steps to protect their rights and create a fairer and more sustainable online transportation ecosystem.
Closing his oration, Zulkurnain called on all elements of the nation not to turn a blind eye to the social inequality that is still happening, including in the informal worker sector.
"If independence belongs to only a handful of people, then the struggle of the heroes will be in vain. Let's make independence a common property, including for those who work on the streets, in the hot sun and in the rain. Because they are also part of Indonesia," he concluded.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
