JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto has called for online transportation service companies to provide cash holiday bonuses, known as Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR), to their driver and courier partners. This significant announcement came during his address on March 10, 2025, where he highlighted the importance of recognizing those who contribute to Indonesia’s transport and logistics sectors.
"For this year, the government pays special attention to online drivers and couriers who play important roles," said Prabowo. He added, the government is urging all application-based transportation platforms to refer to their active work status when determining the amount of these holiday bonuses. According to the President, there are about 250,000 active drivers and couriers, alongside 1 million to 1.5 million part-time workers currently engaging with these platforms.
Fresh off these comments, the Serikat Pekerja Angkutan Indonesia (SPAI), which advocates for transportation workers, expressed its support for the President's initiative. Lily Pujiati, the chair of SPAI, noted her agreement with the call for cash-based support but cautioned against criteria exclusions. "We see there is also company efforts to evade their obligations by not paying THR to all ojol, taxi online, and couriers who have worked and contributed to the profits," she said.
SPAI has been vocal about concerns surrounding the proposed eligibility for these bonuses, as platforms are noted to categorize drivers and couriers based on varying parameters including active days, online hours, and performance metrics. "The spirit of THR is to share among fellow workers," urged Pujiati, implying the THR should universally benefit all workers, not just those meeting stringent performance specifications.
Further addressing the situation, Pujiati remarked about the notified categorization from the platforms, which feature tiers for performance bonuses such as ‘mitra juara’, ‘mitra andalan’, and ‘mitra pengemudi teladan’—titles designated for top-performing drivers based on specified criteria. She criticized this as being discriminatory, stating it was counterproductive to the original intent of the THR, meant to uplift all workers, particularly during significant cultural festivities like Idul Fitri.
SPAI’s persistent argument emphasizes the contributions of all drivers, even those identified as inactive or less frequent contributors. "Drivers contribute not just through their rides but also bear operational costs such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and various operational expenses," Pujiati explained. These accumulated costs, amounting to significant financial burdens, should be considered by the platforms when determining THR payments.
While the platforms may insist on criteria tied to performance for THR distribution, Pujiati argued, "It's strange for them to say work is flexible, then insist on active work status for bonuses." This contradiction, she asserts, raises concerns about the platforms' commitment to addressing driver welfare comprehensively.
SPAI, represented by Pujiati, even hinted at potential legal action, declaring they could demand not just one THR but potentially ten times the provincial minimum wage for drivers with lengthy service. Yet the union remains moderate, as Pujiati claimed they only demand one THR equal to the wage standard.
Prabowo hinted earlier about the mechanisms through which these bonuses would be delivered, stating, "The specifics of the holiday bonus will be discussed and announced by the Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, through official communication." Yassierli, who is tasked with clarifying the bonus structure, is expected to relay these details publicly on March 11.
Clearly, the pressure is mounting for both the government and the transportation platforms to forge equitable solutions for all online workers. This development presents not just economic incentives but speaks volumes to the prevailing narratives about worker rights and protections within Indonesia’s rapidly growing gig economy.
Going forward, it will be imperative for stakeholders within the industry to align their practices with the government’s outlined expectations and public sentiment favoring inclusive compensation strategies. The developments surrounding the THR allocations reflect broader dialogue on labor rights and economic equity, particularly as the nation approaches the festive season when extra earnings are most appreciated. Whether companies will address these concerns adequately remains to be seen as we await the forthcoming announcements.