By Tantri Aulia Yusman )*
Demonstrations as a form of conveying public aspirations are a constitutional right guaranteed in a democratic system. However, it cannot be denied that in practice, demonstrations are often exploited by certain groups for short-term political interests. The planned demonstration by online transportation drivers on May 20, 2025 is in the spotlight, not only because of the demands voiced, but because of concerns about the infiltration of political interests that have the potential to harm the drivers themselves and the wider community.
The Indonesian Special Charter Transportation Organization (Oraski) firmly stated its refusal to be involved in the action. They considered that the substance of this action was no longer purely derived from the interests of drivers, but had been mixed with a certain political agenda. Oraski’s General Chair, Fahmi Maharaja, said that most driver partners actually chose to continue working and focus on meeting family needs rather than being dragged into a movement that was full of political content. This statement reflects a rational and cautious attitude in maintaining the stability of drivers’ livelihoods, especially in the midst of an economic situation that is still vulnerable.
According to Fahmi, driver welfare should be fought for through a constructive and rational approach, such as dialogue and policy advocacy, not through mass pressure that could damage the online transportation ecosystem that has been well-established. The presence of a digital platform as a working medium for millions of online drivers requires stability, both in terms of technology and socially. Disruptions in the form of mass demonstrations can cause discomfort, not only for service providers, but also for users and other driver partners who are not involved.
In line with this, the Central Executive of the National Information and Communication Technology Entrepreneurs Association (APTIKNAS) and lecturer in public policy, Imam Rozikin, reminded that in the post-pandemic economic conditions and global pressure, demonstrations have the potential to cause more losses than strategic benefits. He highlighted that May 20 falls on a weekday with a high level of citizen mobility. This momentum can actually be used by drivers to increase their income. Losing this opportunity for an action that does not promise a concrete solution is a counterproductive step.
In addition, Imam emphasized that there are real risks that drivers can experience if they are involved in demonstrations. The potential for losing daily income, vehicle damage due to riots, and sanctions from application companies are direct impacts that can occur. No less important is the risk of negative digital records that can affect their partnership status in the future. In a platform-based work world, daily performance determines the continuity of income. Taking to the streets can mean the loss of bonuses, incentives, and even accounts can be suspended. These are real losses that must be considered carefully.
Moreover, demonstrations are often used as a mobilization tool by a handful of political elites to build an image or raise popularity, not to solve the root of the problem. Imam reminded that drivers need to be more observant in reading the direction of the movement and not get caught up in the euphoria of the masses that does not side with their welfare. When the action ends in chaos or anarchy, those who initiated it will not share the consequences. In fact, the drivers who are on the front lines will become victims, both physically, economically, and socially.
The impact of demonstrations does not stop at individual drivers. The effects extend to the general public. Traffic jams in the city center, disruption of public transportation, and obstruction of emergency services are real consequences of mass action. In an urban mobility system like Jakarta, one point of action can have an impact on five other mobility nodes. When public space is used as an arena for excessive protest, what happens is no longer freedom of expression, but rather a disruption of public order.
In this case, the police also took anticipatory steps. Deputy Director of Traffic for Polda Metro Jaya, AKBP Argo Wiyono, stated that his party would prepare situational traffic engineering, considering the escalation of the masses present. This step is important to keep residents’ activities running and avoid potential chaos in the field. However, this preventive effort will not be enough if it is not supported by collective awareness to reject actions that have the potential to be manipulated by certain interests.
Ultimately, the struggle to improve welfare must be carried out in a smart, strategic way that does not harm any party. Online transportation drivers actually have an important position in the mobility chain of modern society. Maintaining their job stability is part of maintaining overall social and economic stability. Rejecting unproductive actions does not mean rejecting change, but rather a form of courage not to be exploited by agendas that do not favor the common interest.
This awareness needs to be continuously voiced. That in the midst of the rapid flow of politicization of public space, society must continue to think clearly, rationally, and prioritize long-term interests. Constructive steps such as dialogue, policy advocacy, and active participation in a healthy democratic system are more promising paths to fighting for sustainable change.
)* the author is a public policy observer
