Drivers Gear Up for a Potential Rumble in Indonesia
Grab & Gojek* stand at a crossroads, and the motorbike pilots are not going to just sit back and let the wheels turn for them. If a big-box merger kicks off without the driver unions in the driver’s seat, the upcoming plan could turn a smooth ride into a rough, bumpy one for the riders.
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What’s the Deal?
Grab and Gojek, the twin titans of Southeast Asia’s ride‑hailing, digital‑payment and food‑delivery universe, are deep in talks to join forces.
The biggest snag? Naming and structuring the new super‑entity in Indonesia, the firm’s biggest market.
Why it matters: One of the biggest driver unions—Garda Nasional—warns the merger could handcuff drivers to job insecurity, or worse, see them being let go with the coverage over it.
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Union “Garda Nasional” Speaks Out
“We’re not letting this go without a seat at the table,” says Igun Wicaksono, boss of a union with >100,000 Grab & Gojek riders.Key points coming straight from the driver’s perspective:1. Job security — “Like a subscription that auto‑cancel when they stop inviting tenants.”2. Offer of negotiation — “We want the government and the drivers inside the boardroom discussions.”3. Mass protests — “If ignored, the next play is a nationwide turnout.”
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Indonesia’s Motorcycle Road Might Warm Up
Picture a coffee‑shop showdown of a million bicycles, wheels revving, coffee cups & donuts for a break
Mass protests could roll in like a convoy of scooters, “Ride safe,… and meet the universe.”
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Why the Fuss?
Job loss fears – A merger could mean layoffs for the 30% in contract riders.
Union voice – If the merger proceeds without an official, new “Driver‑only” sub‑committee, it may hurt.
Government’s role – The union wants the Minister for Transportation or the Ministry for Labor in the negotiations to ensure a smooth path ahead.
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The Bottom Line
Grab and Gojek are willing to swap “hamburger‑style” partnerships for a larger, better brand on a shared crest.
But the drivers, who almost ride the sky‑loft flights of the Indonesian traffic, need an affordably stable ride.
Either the union gets a seat — or the country may witness the first “driver‑riot” in history, endorsing the phrase: “Ride their way to the future.”
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What’s next?
Press for smooth talks and a driver agreement.
Production of the proposal crafted by the Drivers’ Association and lawmakers.
Let’s keep the ride calm, keep the loops for the drivers, and avoid “uber‑do” this negotiation.
<img alt="" data-caption="A Grab logo is pictured at the Money 20/20 Asia Fintech Trade Show in Singapore, on March 21, 2019.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”a18a92cd-ec00-43af-81bb-44424f7cbb6f” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/Grab.PNG”/>
Grab & Gojek: A High‑Stakes Ride‑Sharing Merger on the Horizon
THE BIG RIDE‑SHARING POWER MOVE
Grab – valued at roughly $15 billion
Gojek – backed by tech titans like Google, stakes around $10 billion
SoftBank, led by Masayoshi Son, is looking to funnel both into a joint venture that could eventually hit the stock market
The two giants are eyeing a merger to amplify market presence, yet neither company has opened the floodgates of details. Grab’s spokesperson declined to comment, and Gojek’s Jakarta‑based spokeswoman stayed tight‑fisted.
Drivers: Are They Behind the wheel or in the waiting line?
After the COVID‑19 hits slammed salaries, drivers are miffed. In Indonesia, a flood of earnings cuts hit like an unexpected comet.
Recovery Rate: Drivers have bounced back to 70 % of their pre‑pandemic rakes
Housing Issues: Thousands fell flat‑footed, losing homes between May and July
Union Voice: In total, over a million drivers are rallying for a say
Fadel Balher – union leader in East Kalimantan – took to social media with a fierce stance:“A merger is harmful. We’ll protest—grab the regulators and SoftBank if they ignore us.”
Regulatory Pulse: Are the Authorities Listening?
Antitrust Agency: Not yet informed by the firms about any merger plot, but keeps tabs on the chatter
Ministry of Transport: Still in the dark, no direct line touched by the CEOs
The lack of official chatter only fuels the driver’s fury. The unions are demanding a policy “pause” that ensures rider and driver safety before any corporate cobble‑together.
Bottom line:* Grab, Gojek, and SoftBank are strategizing for a mega‑merger. But as drivers brace for the road ahead, the community can’t help but wonder: will the trip to a larger market leave everyone in the driver’s seat, or will they be left scrambling for their livelihoods?
