A Visit to the Presidential Palace: GoTo CEO Patrick Walujo, Minister Yassierli, and Ojol Partners
In a momentous gathering at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday, March 10, 2025, a series of significant events unfolded. The esteemed CEO of GoTo, Patrick Walujo, accompanied by Ade Mulya, Chief of Public Policy and Government Relations at GoTo, and a group of online motorcycle taxi (ojol) partners, made their way to the heart of political power in Indonesia’s capital. The purpose of their visit? A meeting that could potentially shape the landscape of labor policies and benefits for the ojol community.
Patrick Walujo, a figure of influence in the tech industry, arrived at the Presidential Palace ahead of the others. When asked about the nature of his visit, he nonchalantly remarked, “Just here to answer the call,” indicating a sense of duty and responsibility. Shortly thereafter, Minister of Manpower Yassierli also graced the halls of the palace, joining the ranks of GoTo leadership and the ojol partners who had assembled earlier. As speculation mounted regarding the reason for their visit, Minister Yassierli remained cryptic, stating that he would only provide insights after a round of discussions and deliberations.
The Power Play: Addressing Ojol Rights and Benefits
The backdrop to this high-stakes meeting lies in the recent demands made by various unions and communities of online motorcycle taxi drivers for holiday bonuses, known as Tunjangan Hari Raya (THR). In a show of solidarity and strength, these drivers staged a protest outside the Ministry of Manpower in Jakarta on Monday, February 17, 2025, calling for fair treatment and recognition of their contributions to the gig economy. Responding swiftly to these demands, Minister Yassierli pledged to draft specific regulations catering to the needs of the ojol community.
Fast forward to Wednesday, March 5, and Minister Yassierli provided an update on the status of the THR regulations, emphasizing the importance of fostering meaningful collaboration between the government, drivers, and platform operators. Delving deeper into the intricacies of the issue, he highlighted the ongoing dialogue sessions as a cornerstone of their approach. By prioritizing open communication and consensus-building, Minister Yassierli expressed optimism that a resolution would be within reach in the near future.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Fair and Equitable Labor Practices
As the discussions between the government, industry leaders, and ojol partners continue to unfold, the overarching goal remains clear: to establish a framework that safeguards the rights and well-being of all stakeholders involved. With issues of labor rights taking center stage in today’s digital economy, the significance of these deliberations extends far beyond the confines of the Presidential Palace.
In the words of Minister Yassierli, “Our focus is on fostering dialogue. Through constructive engagements and collaborative efforts, we aim to ensure that the outcomes reflect the collective input of all parties involved. I am confident that a definitive resolution is on the horizon, signaling a new chapter in the relationship between policymakers, platform operators, and online drivers.”
As the sun sets on this pivotal meeting at the Presidential Palace, the echoes of change reverberate through the corridors of power, hinting at a future where fairness and equity prevail in the realm of digital labor. Only time will tell how these discussions will shape the landscape of Indonesia’s gig economy, but one thing remains certain—the voices of the ojol community have been heard, and their demands for justice and recognition have not fallen on deaf ears.
