Jakarta, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, spoke out regarding the issue of online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers not being included in the list of recipients of subsidized fuel.
The Chairman of the Golkar Party stated that the government is currently reviewing mechanisms so that MSME actors, including online motorcycle taxi drivers, can continue to enjoy subsidized fuel directly, without going through direct cash assistance. (BLT).
“Regarding MSMEs, all MSMEs will most likely be subsidized in terms of materials. So, if it involves fuel, we will not switch to cash assistance. OJOL will fall under the MSME category,” he said on the sidelines of the Indonesia Mining Summit 2024 at Hotel Mulia, Jakarta, Wednesday (4/12/2024).
However, Bahlil highlighted technical issues related to ojol vehicles, which generally use black license plates, not yellow ones like public vehicles. Therefore, further trials and mechanisms are needed to ensure ojol drivers can access subsidized fuel.
“For ojol, we are currently testing how to distinguish which black plates are for ojol businesses and which are not.” “But for ojol, they are MSMEs. However, there was a misunderstanding yesterday,” he said.
Threat of a Massive Protest
Previously, the Chairman of the Indonesian Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Association, Igun Wicaksono, stated that millions of ojol drivers are ready to stage protests if the government bans them from purchasing subsidized fuel.
“If ojol drivers are not allowed to receive or fill up with subsidized fuel, there will be a wave of massive protests across Indonesia,” Igun emphasized.
He believes that the plan to remove subsidized fuel for ojol drivers is unfair and does not favor the small people. According to him, many ojol drivers are already struggling to meet their daily needs.
“Let alone buying non-subsidized fuel, just to fill up with subsidized fuel, ojol drivers often have to go hungry on the road so their vehicles can keep operating,” Igun stated.
Leave a Reply