Online ojek drivers in Indonesia are set to receive a long-awaited holiday bonus, following a push from President Prabowo Subianto for app-based transportation companies to provide Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR) to their drivers.
The announcement, made at the Presidential Palace on 10 March, comes after months of lobbying from driver groups seeking recognition as workers rather than independent partners.
THR: A Holiday Tradition
For expats in Bali who frequently rely on online ojek services like Gojek and Grab, the concept of THR might be unfamiliar.
The THR is a mandatory religious holiday allowance traditionally given to employees in Indonesia ahead of Idul Fitri, the country’s biggest holiday that marks the end of the Islamic Ramadan month. This financial boost helps workers celebrate with their families, covering travel costs, gifts, and festive preparations.
However, online ojek drivers, classified as “partners” rather than employees, have long been excluded from this benefit.
Prabowo’s Push for THR
Speaking alongside the CEOs of Gojek and Grab, Prabowo emphasized the importance of providing THR in cash, adjusted to drivers’ work activity. The final mechanism and amount are still under discussion with the Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, and will be formalized through an official circular.
With an estimated 250.000 full-time drivers and couriers, plus 1–1,5 million part-timers, the move is seen as a significant step in recognizing their economic role. It also follows a recent demonstration by online drivers demanding cash bonuses instead of in-kind benefits such as staple goods.
What This Means for Bali’s Expats
For the many expats in Bali who regularly use online ojeks, this decision could have ripple effects.
THR payments could encourage more drivers to remain active during the high-demand holiday season, potentially preventing fare hikes and driver shortages. It also highlights ongoing discussions about worker rights in Indonesia’s gig economy—an issue relevant not just to ojek drivers but to expats employing local staff or engaging in freelance work themselves.
