Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Eligible for Fuel Subsidies
The Indonesian Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Maman Abdurrahman, has taken steps to ensure that online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers are included in the new criteria for receiving fuel oil (BBM) subsidies.
Grabbing Data to Aid Distribution
As part of this effort, Minister Maman recently met with representatives from Grab, one of the leading ojol platform operators. During the meeting, Grab expressed their willingness to provide data on its registered drivers, a crucial step in identifying eligible recipients for the subsidy program.
“Oh yes, we asked earlier and they are willing to provide data regarding online motorcycle taxis that have joined their operators and in principle they are ready to support government programs,” Minister Maman explained after the meeting.
While the Minister acknowledged that the specific number of Grab drivers eligible for the subsidy remained unconfirmed, he expressed optimism about the possibility of synchronizing Grab’s platform with Pertamina’s MyPertamina system.
“Not yet, it’s still later. We will first confirm whether their system can synchronize or not, with Mypertamina alone,” added Minister Maman.
The Minister emphasized that this data synchronization would streamline the process of distributing fuel subsidies, ultimately benefiting both the government and the ojol drivers.
Reaching Out to Other Platforms
Beyond Grab, Minister Maman stated that his team intended to reach out to other major players in the ojol industry, including Gojek and Maxim. These conversations, according to the Minister, would focus on ensuring data accuracy and facilitating a swift and efficient rollout of the program.
” (With Gojek when?) It’s still being arranged, maybe if not Monday or Tuesday. Yes (Maxim too), just keep going,” stated Minister Maman regarding the timeline for these respective discussions.
Expanding Impacts: Grab Supports SME Growth
The meeting with Grab also saw discussions about the platform’s contributions to the growth and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
“Grab also presented several achievements related to financing assistance to MSME entrepreneurs because that’s right. We also encourage digital marketing platform friends to contribute to the growth and development of MSME entrepreneurs,” explained Minister Maman. This emphasis on collaboration highlights the government’s commitment to leveraging the strength of digital platforms to empower small businesses and foster economic growth.
The inclusion of ojol drivers in the fuel subsidy scheme marks a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to essential resources for a vital segment of the workforce. By collaborating with ojol platforms, the Indonesian government aims to ensure that subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and robust economy.
How will the government leverage technology to distribute fuel subsidies to ojol drivers effectively?
## Ojol Drivers to Get Gas Subsidies: An Interview with Minister Maman
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the recent announcement that online motorcycle taxi drivers, or ojol drivers, will continue to be eligible for fuel subsidies. To tell us more about this, we’re joined by the Minister of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises, Maman Abdurrahman. Welcome to the show, Minister.
**Minister Maman:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Minister, many ojol drivers were worried about losing this subsidy. Can you clarify the situation?
**Minister Maman:** Of course. It’s important to remember that ojol drivers are classified as micro, small, and medium enterprises, or MSMEs. As such, they are eligible for the fuel subsidy, which is designed to help these crucial sectors [[1](https://en.antaranews.com/news/337109/fuel-subsidy-to-continue-for-online-motorbike-taxi-drivers-minister)].
**Host:** That’s good news for many. How will the government ensure that the subsidy reaches the intended ojol drivers?
**Minister Maman:** We’ve been working closely with leading ojol platforms like Grab. They’ve expressed their willingness to share data on their registered drivers, a vital step in identifying eligible recipients for the subsidy program.
**Host:** So, this data sharing will be key to the success of this program?
**Minister Maman:** Absolutely. We’re currently exploring the possibility of integrating Grab’s platform with Pertamina’s MyPertamina system. This will allow for a more efficient and targeted distribution of the fuel subsidy [[1](https://en.antaranews.com/news/337109/fuel-subsidy-to-continue-for-online-motorbike-taxi-drivers-minister)].
**Host:** It seems like a positive development. When can ojol drivers expect to see the benefits of this new system?
**Minister Maman:** While we’re still finalizing the details, we’re working diligently to implement this program as swiftly as possible.
**Host:** Minister Maman, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today and shedding light on this important issue.
**Minister Maman:** Thank you for having me.
