Flooring Guide by Cinvex – The Indonesian government’s strategic decision to involve Danantara in the online motorcycle taxi (ojol) sector is being hailed as a calculated move, reflecting the immense socio-economic influence held by the nation’s massive driver community. This intervention highlights the government’s recognition of the strategic position these drivers occupy within Indonesia’s social landscape.
Harry Su, Managing Director and Head of Equity Capital Market at Samuel Sekuritas Indonesia, noted that the ojol community has long been viewed as a formidable force. Their sheer numbers, combined with high levels of solidarity and the ability to mobilize rapidly, make them a significant demographic in the country.
“This is not a surprising move from Danantara. Online motorcycle taxi drivers in Indonesia are considered a significant power base and have been utilized—voluntarily or otherwise—as a political vehicle,” Su remarked on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
With an estimated 4 million drivers nationwide, the ojol community represents a massive collective that can shape public opinion, respond to government policies through organized action, and even influence electoral dynamics. This backdrop provides context for the government’s recent move to secure a stake in ride-hailing applications through Danantara.
This initiative was further confirmed by the Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. During an audience with labor groups on International Workers’ Day at the Parliament Complex on Friday, May 1, 2026, Dasco revealed that the government, via Danantara, has officially acquired shares in ojol application providers.
According to Dasco, this move is a direct effort to improve the welfare of online drivers. “The government, through Danantara, has entered the application provider space and taken a share portion,” he stated. The primary objective of this acquisition is to drastically reduce the commission fees charged by applications from the current 10% to 20% down to a flat 8%.
“The first priority is to lower the costs taken by the applicators. Previously, it was 20% or 10%; now, the applicator will only take 8% of the total collected,” Dasco explained. Regarding the long-standing demand for drivers to be recognized as formal employees rather than just partners, the Gerindra Party executive noted that the government is currently conducting simulations to determine the most effective policy framework.
This development follows a pledge made by President Prabowo Subianto during May Day 2026 celebrations. The President committed to slashing application fee deductions to under 10%, specifically targeting the 8% mark. President Prabowo also emphasized the implementation of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 27 of 2026 concerning the protection of online transportation workers.
“Ojol drivers work hard and risk their lives every day. They have been asked to hand over 20% of their earnings. I want that below 10%. If application providers are not willing to comply, they do not need to do business in Indonesia,” the President asserted before tens of thousands of workers and drivers.
The President further detailed that while drivers currently retain only about 80% of their income, the new regulations mandate a minimum of 92% for the drivers. “We have signed Perpres 27 of 2026 to ensure the protection of online transportation. Drivers must be provided with work accident insurance and access to BPJS Health. We are also restructuring the income distribution so that at least 92% of the earnings go directly to the driver,” Prabowo concluded.
Summary
The Indonesian government, through Danantara, has acquired shares in online motorcycle taxi (ojol) application providers to enhance driver welfare and solidify its influence over this significant demographic. By securing a stake in these companies, the government aims to cap commission fees at a flat 8%, a move reinforced by President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to prioritizing the earnings of the estimated 4 million drivers nationwide.
In addition to fee reductions, the administration has implemented Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 to ensure better protection for online transportation workers. This mandate requires providers to offer work accident insurance, health coverage, and a guaranteed income share of at least 92% for drivers. These measures reflect the government’s strategic recognition of the ojol sector’s economic importance and its role as a powerful social force.