In the bustling streets of Jakarta, a powerful movement is underway today, September 17, 2025. Thousands of online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers and delivery couriers are hitting the brakes—not on their bikes, but on unfair practices by ride-hailing apps. Organized by GARDA (Gabungan Aksi Roda Dua Indonesia), this demonstration is more than just a rally; it's a call for justice in Indonesia's booming gig economy. If you're curious about why these essential workers are protesting and what it means for everyday users, keep reading.
Who Are GARDA and Why Are They Protesting?
GARDA represents a united front of ojol drivers and online couriers who power apps like Gojek and Grab. These workers deliver food, packages, and rides across Indonesia, often working long hours in heavy traffic for slim earnings. Frustrations have been building for months over high app fees, low fares, and lack of government protection.
Today's action marks a major escalation. Starting at 10 a.m. from their headquarters in Cempaka Mas, Jakarta, around 2,000 to 5,000 participants are marching to key spots: the Presidential Palace, the Ministry of Transportation, and the House of Representatives (DPR). By noon, they'll surround the DPR to amplify their voices. In a bold move, many drivers are also shutting down their apps en masse, urging Jakarta residents to opt for public transport or other alternatives to avoid gridlock.
This isn't the first time in 2025—earlier rallies highlighted similar issues—but today's event feels urgent, fueled by a recent tragedy. On August 28, driver Affan Kurniawan lost his life in a work-related incident, sparking outrage over safety and accountability.
The Seven Key Demands Driving the Movement
GARDA has laid out clear, actionable requests to lawmakers and app companies. Here's a simple breakdown:
1. Cap App Fees at 10%: Drivers want a fixed 10% deduction from earnings, ending variable cuts that eat into profits.
2. Regulate Delivery Tariffs: Set fair rates for food and goods deliveries to ensure workers get a living wage.
3. Audit the 5% Extra Fee: Investigate and scrap the unilateral 5% charge apps added without notice.
4. Pass the Online Transport Bill: Push the DPR to include the Ride-Hailing Law in the 2025-2026 national agenda for better worker protections.
5. Replace the Transport Minister: Call for the dismissal of Minister Dudy Purwaghandi over perceived inaction on gig worker issues.
6. Investigate Affan's Death: A full probe into the August tragedy, with compensation for affected families.
7. Improve Overall Safety: Stronger rules for road safety, insurance, and rest breaks for drivers.
These demands highlight a gig workforce tired of being treated as disposable. As one driver told reporters, "We keep the city moving—now it's time for the system to move for us."
If you're in Jakarta, expect delays. With apps offline and roads blocked, commuters might face longer waits or higher fares from alternatives. But beyond traffic, this protest shines a light on global gig economy struggles. In Indonesia, where ojol jobs support millions of families, fair reforms could stabilize prices and improve service quality for everyone.
As the day unfolds, eyes are on the government. Will they listen, or will more rallies follow? One thing's clear: GARDA's voice is revving up, and it's not slowing down anytime soon.
Sources:
https://money.kompas.com/read/2025/09/17/053642726/driver-ojol-demo-17-september-jadwal-lokasi-dan-tuntutannya
https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8115645/ojol-demo-hari-ini-usung-7-tuntutan-potongan-aplikator-10-ganti-menhub
https://tirto.id/info-demo-ojol-17-september-di-jakarta-tuntutan-hhPD
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