By: Alexander Royce*)
The transformation of Indonesia’s digital economy over the past decade has given rise to millions of app-based informal sector workers, or gig workers. Among them, online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers are the backbone of mobility and distribution of goods, especially during crucial moments like Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. This year, news of the disbursement of the Eid al-Fitr Bonus (BHR) for online motorcycle taxi drivers is a breath of fresh air, not only impacting worker welfare but also strengthening the foundation of the national economy.
The government’s move to reaffirm the provision of the Eid al-Fitr Bonus for online transportation drivers demonstrates a clear commitment to workers in the digital informal sector. This policy is relevant to the current situation, where people’s purchasing power is key to maintaining economic stability ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026. With more than 850,000 drivers confirmed to receive the bonus this year, its impact cannot be underestimated.
The Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, confirmed that online motorcycle taxi drivers will once again receive the Eid al-Fitr Bonus following an agreement with digital platform operators. He emphasized that the government continues to encourage the creation of fair and sustainable employment relationships in the digital economy sector.
According to him, this bonus is a form of appreciation for drivers’ contributions in supporting public mobility and national logistics distribution, especially during the sharp increase in economic activity leading up to Eid al-Fitr. He also emphasized that dialogue between the government and app providers is key to ensuring this policy’s implementation without disrupting the business ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, highlighted the macroeconomic dimension of this policy. He stated that approximately 850,000 online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers are guaranteed to receive bonuses this year, which will directly strengthen household consumption as a key driver of national economic growth.
In his view, this type of incentive is not merely social assistance, but part of a strategy to maintain growth momentum amidst global dynamics that remain full of uncertainty. Airlangga believes that supporting informal digital workers also demonstrates the government’s adaptability to changes in the labor structure in the platform-based economy era.
From the industry perspective, Grab Group CEO & Co-Founder, Anthony Tan, stated that his company fully supports the policy of providing Eid al-Fitr bonuses to driver-partners. He explained that the bonus is awarded based on level of activity, performance, and compliance with service and safety standards.
He stated that driver-partners are a vital part of the Grab ecosystem, making their welfare a company priority. Anthony also emphasized the importance of close collaboration between the government and digital platforms to ensure policies are implemented effectively while maintaining business sustainability.
This Eid Bonus policy does not stand alone. In recent times, the government has also launched various economic stimulus measures for Ramadan and Eid, ranging from transportation discounts and stabilizing staple food prices to fertilizer subsidies to support the agricultural sector. This synergy of policies demonstrates a comprehensive approach: maintaining public purchasing power, supporting businesses, and ensuring smooth logistics distribution.
For online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers, this bonus has a very concrete meaning. Ramadan and Eid are synonymous with increased household needs, from food and clothing to travel expenses. The additional income from the Eid Bonus helps them meet these needs without the burden of debt or excessive financial stress. At the same time, the money circulating in the community will again stimulate the trade, MSME, and service sectors.
Furthermore, this policy reflects the government’s recognition of the existence and contribution of gig workers to the modern economic structure. Previously, workers in the digital informal sector were often viewed as a regulatory gray area. However, with intensive dialogue between the government and app providers, a new industrial relations pattern has emerged that is more adaptive to current developments.
This momentum also demonstrates that the government is not allergic to innovation, but rather strives to regulate and direct it so that it brings broader social benefits. Amid global challenges such as the global economic slowdown and commodity price volatility, maintaining strong domestic consumption is a rational and measurable strategy. The Eid al-Fitr bonus for online motorcycle taxis (ojol) is one concrete instrument in this strategy.
Naturally, regulatory improvements are still needed to strengthen social protection for platform workers, including access to social security for employment and health.However, the steps taken to date demonstrate a progressive and inclusive policy direction.
Ultimately, the Eid al-Fitr Bonus for motorcycle taxi drivers is not simply a seasonal supplement. It symbolizes the state’s presence in responding to the dynamics of the digital economy and ensuring that no group of workers is left behind. With close collaboration between the government and the business world, the welfare of gig workers can continue to be improved, while strengthening the foundation of the national economy towards a more just, inclusive, and prosperous Indonesia.
*) The author is a social observer