REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Representative of Indonesian Driver and Service Association, Ahmad Syafei, urged the government to immediately legalize the position of drivers of online 'ojek' (motorcycle taxi) transportation through a regulation. During a hearing with Commission V of House of Representatives (DPR) of Indonesia in Jakarta on Monday, he complained about the unclear status of online drivers.

Meanwhile, thousands of online drivers staged a rally in front of the DPR complex.

He stated that it was important to stipulate a clear position for online drivers in the government's regulation because of the intimidation by conventional transportation services. "We want the government to interfere in this issue as we are also part of the nation," he stated.

In addition to the problem of legality, the drivers also complained about the low price fare determined by the applicators as it was considered very detrimental to the drivers.

"They (the applicators) have no authority to determine the price fare," he added.

On the occasion, he noted that the party had urged applicators to stop recruiting prospective drivers online. The hearing was aimed at receiving inputs for a revision of road freight legislation and the arrangement of online transportation.

Ojek online drivers have staged a series of demonstration in some regions. On March 27, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received representatives of ojek online drivers who demonstrate on tariff war in front of the State Palace, Jakarta. He said check price could be a solution to putting an end to tariff war ojek online drivers have complained about.

"I think there should be ceiling and floor prices, but not yet. Tomorrow it would be decided after a meeting is held," Jokowi said.

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