Jakarta, IO – Minister of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman met with hundreds of motorcycle ride-hailing drivers representing 19 driver communities affiliated with Gojek, Grab, and Maxim to gather their aspirations on strengthening their role as independent micro-transportation entrepreneurs.
Speaking after the meeting at the Ministry of MSMEs in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 8, Maman said the majority of drivers preferred to being recognized as micro entrepreneurs rather than employees.
“I asked representatives from the ride-hailing communities and associations whether they wanted to be classified as workers or as micro entrepreneurs. They all said they wanted to be entrepreneurs,” Maman said.
According to the minister, many drivers favor the status because it allows them to maintain the flexibility and independence that drew them to the platform economy in the first place. As micro entrepreneurs, they can manage their own schedules while pursuing additional sources of income beyond ride-hailing.
“Most ride-hailing drivers agree that they should be recognized as micro entrepreneurs. We are listening to their aspirations to create policies that will support their livelihoods,” he said.
Maman explained that formal recognition as micro entrepreneurs would give drivers broader access to government MSME empowerment programs, including entrepreneurship training, business development initiatives, and financing through the People’s Business Credit (KUR) scheme.
He added that access to KUR financing could become more accessible for drivers with limited capital because they already operate within digital ecosystems established by their platforms. These ecosystems can help identify eligible participants and support their businesses, enabling drivers to diversify their income and improve their families’ welfare.
Maman also said drivers welcomed President Prabowo Subianto’s new policy allocating 92 percent of each ride fare to drivers, while application companies receive an 8 percent commission.
According to him, drivers are committed to maintaining a healthy, sustainable, and mutually beneficial transportation ecosystem alongside platform operators, while the government ensures the ecosystem remains fair and conducive.
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“The drivers appreciated President Prabowo for introducing this policy. Thankfully, their response has been very positive,” Maman said.
Concerning the experienced lower earnings since the policy took effect, Maman noted that several external factors may be contributing to the decline, including the ongoing school holiday period, which typically leads to lower passenger demand.
He stressed that the Ministry of MSMEs will ensure the policy is implemented in accordance with existing regulations. Violations will result in actions such as warnings to the suspension or revocation of a platform’s operating license, depending on the breach severity.
At the same time, the ministry is working with ride-hailing platforms to develop a simple and accessible registration mechanism that will not disrupt drivers’ daily activities.
The system will be integrated into the government’s SAPA UMKM platform, allowing ride-hailing drivers to automatically obtain micro entrepreneur status. It will also include features designed to support the digital transportation ecosystem.
“The legal framework is currently being finalized by the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, and the Ministry of MSMEs. We want it to take effect as soon as possible so the process can be completed promptly,” Maman said. (eka)
