Online motorcycle taxi drivers in Indonesia have voiced their concerns about the holiday bonus (Bonus Hari Raya, BHR) offered by ride-hailing companies, calling it a mere gimmick as the conditions set are perceived as nearly unattainable. While the intention behind offering the BHR is to support drivers during the festive season, the reality for many suggests a different narrative. Igun Wicaksono, the Chairman of Garda Indonesia, expressed strong discontent with the stipulations required to qualify for the bonus. According to Igun, the requirement stipulates that a driver must complete 250 orders in a month or 10 orders daily, which he argues is exceedingly difficult when the average number of orders a driver can fulfill in a day is around five.
“For us, this requirement seems like a ruse from the application providers to avoid paying the BHR to all the ojol drivers, imposing conditions that most drivers cannot meet,” Igun stated during a press briefing on March 19, 2025. His frustration underlines the broader skepticism among drivers regarding the support they receive from their app-based employers.
Additionally, Igun raised concerns regarding the income cut that drivers experience due to application fees. He claimed that while drivers are subjected to a 50% cut, this should ideally be reduced to 20%. The ongoing financial pressures are compounding the drivers’ grievances, creating a challenging environment in which many are struggling to make ends meet.
The situation is further complicated by the government's stance on the payment of bonuses. Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, announced on March 11, 2025, that the government has established specific criteria and amounts for the holiday bonuses meant for officially registered drivers and couriers. According to Yassierli, productive drivers who are officially recognized will receive BHR in proportion to their performance in the form of cash, amounting to 20% of the average net monthly income over the past 12 months.
“For drivers and couriers outside the specified criteria, the holiday bonus will be provided based on the application company’s capacity,” Yassierli outlined the guidelines during the announcement.
To qualify for the BHR, applications have set their own requirements. For instance, Tirza Munusamy, Chief of Public Affairs at PT Grab Indonesia, indicated there are four crucial criteria that drivers must meet to be eligible for the bonus. One major condition is that drivers must be active partners. “Not only must they be registered, but they must also be actively receiving and completing orders within a certain period,” Munusamy elaborated.
On the other hand, the Chief of Public Policy and Government Relations at PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk, Ade Mulya, highlighted three performance-related criteria for Gojek drivers to receive the BHR. These include consistency in performance and compliance with operational regulations.
As drivers continue to express their misgivings about the conditions tied to the holiday bonus, the BPJS Kesehatan (National Health Insurance) Cabang Malang is taking steps to ensure that participants remain serviced during the upcoming Lebaran holiday. According to a statement released on March 19, 2025, by the interim Head of BPJS Kesehatan Cabang Malang, Fery Purwa Ginanjar, healthcare services will still be available to all JKN participants during the holiday period from April 7 to 28, 2025.
Ginanjar explained that services will maintain operational shifts at the branch office on selected dates throughout the holiday. Participants will also have access to 24/7 administrative services via their WhatsApp number, making it easier to access necessary healthcare support during the busy holiday season.
For anyone traveling, the BPJS Kesehatan network has established 252 First Level Health Facilities (FKTP) in the Malang Raya region, which covers Malang City, Malang Regency, and Batu City. This ensures that JKN participants can access medical services regardless of their location during the holidays.
“If a participant is traveling outside their registered location, they can still receive care at any healthcare facility. In emergency situations, all health facilities are required to provide medical care per the relevant regulations,” Ginanjar stated during a conference.
To further support those traveling, BPJS Kesehatan has set up Mudik Posts at seven strategic locations to handle the increased number of homecoming travelers during the Lebaran period. These posts will not just facilitate issues regarding JKN participant services but will also attend to emergencies by providing necessary medicine and medical referrals if needed.
The established points include Terminal Pulo Gebang Jakarta, Rest Area Tol Ungaran Km 429, Terminal Purabaya Sidoarjo, Pelabuhan Soekarno Hatta Makassar, Pelabuhan Merak Banten, Rest Area Tol Cipularang Km 88A Purwakarta, and Rest Area Tol Cipali Km 166A Majalengka.
Collaboration with local health agencies is evident, as dr. Husnul Muarif, Head of Malang City Health Office, expressed readiness to work alongside BPJS Kesehatan. The goal is to ensure that JKN participants receive optimal service, especially during the Lebaran holiday when many people travel.
“We support travelers during Lebaran who require healthcare services. JKN participants must have the Mobile JKN Application to easily check their membership status while on the go,” dr. Husnul emphasized.
Meanwhile, Tri Wahyu Sarwiyata, Chairman of the Indonesian Hospital Association (PERSI) Malang chapter, stated that they have coordinated with BPJS Kesehatan and local hospitals to assure access to healthcare services during the holidays. The commitment is strong to ensure that during emergencies, all hospitals in Malang are prepared to handle health issues, emphasizing the importance of following regulations for non-emergency cases by first seeking care at FKTPs.
The convergence of challenges faced by ojol drivers seeking bonuses and the assurance of ongoing healthcare services during the holiday season underscores a pivotal moment for both sectors. While the BHR situation presents hurdles tied to performance metrics, the simultaneous commitment from healthcare providers signifies an earnest effort to prioritize the needs of individuals—whether on the road or receiving medical assistance during Indonesia's festive season.
