Indonesian Goverment Boosts Eid Bonuses to Support 850,000 Online Drivers

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian government has officially announced a significant increase in holiday bonuses (BHR) for over 850,000 online motorcycle taxi drivers, known locally as ojek online, ahead of the 2026 Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Major ride-hailing platforms like GoTo and Grab have doubled their bonus budgets to a combined total of up to Rp110 billion (around USD 7 million) to strengthen the purchasing power of these informal workers.

This initiative is part of a larger government strategy to stimulate the national economy during the festive season. By providing these bonuses, the government aims to ensure that the millions of gig workers who power the country’s digital economy can participate in the holiday traditions despite global economic shifts.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, stated that the government has been working closely with tech companies to secure these payments. He noted that the commitment from these digital platforms is a vital part of the nation's economic resilience.

“The holiday bonus for ojek online has been discussed intensively with the applicators, and Alhamdulillah, there is a strong commitment from them,” Minister Airlangga stated during a press conference in Jakarta as quote from the Ministry’s website on Tuesday, 3 March 2026.

Under the new guidelines, the bonuses are expected to be distributed between 14 to 7 days before the Eid holiday. Other platforms like Maxim and inDrive have also joined the program, significantly increasing the number of eligible drivers compared to previous years to ensure wider coverage across the archipelago.

Beyond the cash bonuses, the government is also pushing for better social protection for these drivers. Many platforms now facilitate access to work accident and death insurance, helping to provide a safety net for those working in the informal sector.

“The government continues to closely monitor global dynamics and various risks that could potentially affect the national economy,” Airlangga added, highlighting the importance of maintaining domestic stability through these targeted stimulus programs.