JAKARTA — The Indonesian government’s recent move to acquire a stake in ride-hailing platforms through the state-owned investment vehicle, Danantara, has come as little surprise to market analysts. Given the sheer size and social influence of the ride-hailing driver community, the government’s strategic intervention is viewed as a calculated step within the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
Harry Su, Managing Director and Head of Equity Capital Market at Samuel Sekuritas Indonesia, noted that ride-hailing drivers (ojol) have long been considered a formidable force. Their massive numbers, high level of solidarity, and rapid mobilization capabilities make them a significant demographic.
“This move by Danantara is not unexpected. In Indonesia, the ojol community is seen as a major power base that has been tapped into—either voluntarily or otherwise—as a political vehicle,” Su stated on Saturday (May 2, 2026).
With an estimated 4 million drivers across the country, this community represents a powerful block capable of shaping public opinion, responding to government policies through collective action, and even swaying election outcomes.
This strategy aligns with earlier reports from the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. During an audience with labor representatives on May Day (May 1, 2026), Dasco confirmed that the government, via Danantara, had indeed acquired equity in ride-hailing firms. The primary goal of this acquisition is to reduce platform commission fees from the previous 10% to 20% down to a fixed 8%.
“The government, through Danantara, has entered the application space and taken a stake in these companies,” Dasco explained, emphasizing that the reduction is intended to boost driver take-home pay. He added that the debate regarding the legal status of drivers—whether they should be classified as employees or remain independent partners—is still under simulation to ensure the development of a balanced and fair policy.
This intervention follows a strong commitment from President Prabowo, who pledged during the May Day celebrations to slash platform cuts. The President expressed his firm stance: “Ojol drivers work hard and risk their lives every day. They were being asked to pay 20% in fees. I want that figure below 10%. If companies are not willing to comply, they should not operate in Indonesia.”
To solidify these changes, President Prabowo announced the signing of Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026 concerning the protection of online transportation services. This regulation mandates that ride-hailing drivers must receive occupational accident insurance and coverage through the national health insurance program (BPJS Kesehatan). Furthermore, the regulation shifts the revenue split, ensuring that drivers receive a minimum of 92% of earnings, up from the previous 80%.
Summary
The Indonesian government, through the state-owned investment vehicle Danantara, has acquired stakes in ride-hailing platforms to manage a significant demographic of four million drivers. Analysts view this move as a strategic step to engage a powerful socio-economic group capable of high mobilization and public influence. This intervention aims to integrate the driver community into the national socio-economic landscape more effectively.
Under Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026, platform commission fees will be reduced to a fixed 8% to boost driver take-home pay. The regulation also mandates essential benefits, including occupational accident insurance and national health insurance coverage for all drivers. This policy ensures that workers retain at least 92% of their total earnings while receiving better social protections.
