JAKARTA – The Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has emphasised that online ride-hailing (lit. ojek online/ojol) app companies have received feedback regarding the payment of Religious Holiday Allowance (lit. Tunjangan Hari Raya/THR) for their driver partners.

Despite the legal status of these drivers not being equivalent to employees, which means they have no legal entitlement to THR, the government and the app providers are currently working on a suitable scheme to provide this benefit.

"We are confident that business owners will understand the drivers' aspirations regarding THR. The discussions are currently focused on the amount and the formula," said Yassierli at the Presidential Palace Complex on Monday (17/2).

Furthermore, Yassierli expressed hope that the regulations concerning THR for online drivers will be finalised in the near future.

"I hope this will happen as soon as possible because it concerns their financial situation. There are simulations that need to be prepared. In the next few days, finalisation will take place with the business owners (online ride-hailing app)," he added.

As one of the major app providers in Indonesia, PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GOTO) has also expressed its readiness to comply with the government’s decision regarding THR for driver partners.

"So far, the company has provided various forms of incentives and welfare programmes for driver partners, including emergency funds, savings programmes, and other subsidies," a GOTO representative stated.

However, with this new policy proposal in mind, GOTO, along with other app providers, will await the government’s final decision to determine the best scheme for implementing THR for online drivers. (DK/ZH)