The policy was formalized through Presidential Regulation No. 27 of 2026, which expands legal protections to include not only passenger transport but also the delivery of goods and food orders. The regulation was publicly unveiled at the Parliamentary Complex by Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, alongside several cabinet ministers. The announcement signaled a broader state intervention in one of Southeast Asia’s largest on-demand sectors, where millions of drivers for platforms such as Gojek and Grab have become a highly visible labour force and, according to analysts, a potent political bloc.
Beyond the fee cap, the new framework introduces social safety net provisions, including universal healthcare and work accident insurance for registered drivers. Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi emphasized that the 8 per cent cap is stipulated both in the Presidential Regulation and in a separate ministerial decision, serving as a reference standard for other governmental bodies. He stated that the Ministry of Transportation’s tariff standards would guide the broader implementation, ensuring that the reduction in platform fees translates into tangible earnings for drivers rather than being absorbed by other operational costs.
The implementation of the decree involves a coordinated effort across multiple ministries. Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Maman Abdurrahman indicated that his ministry would oversee partnership agreements between digital platforms and driver partners, providing a legal framework for food vendors and MSMEs operating within these ecosystems. Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Nezar Patria explained that his ministry would hold the authority to set logistics delivery rates under Article 11, Paragraph 4 of the regulation. Patria stressed that the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) would require platforms to maintain transparency in price-setting mechanisms to guarantee fair earnings for couriers.
Despite the celebratory mood among many drivers, the long-term economic implications remain a subject of debate. While the policy clearly signals state support for the gig worker class, observers have cautioned that a drastic reduction in platform commissions may not necessarily lead to sustained income growth for all workers. Analysts have warned of potential market shrinkage, suggesting that if platforms cannot maintain current operational efficiencies with a lower commission rate, they might reduce driver availability or alter service models. This tension between immediate populist gains and structural market stability is the central unresolved question as the government moves toward full implementation.
The regulatory timeline is strict. A representative of the Ministry of State Secretariat confirmed that all implementing regulations issued by the relevant ministries must be completed by 31 December 2026. This deadline places significant pressure on the executive branch to finalize technical guidelines and enforcement mechanisms. As the next phase of this policy unfolds, the focus will shift from the symbolic announcement to the practical realities of how platforms adjust their business models and how drivers’ incomes hold up against market fluctuations.
The 8 per cent cap stands as a marker of the current administration’s approach to digital labour, prioritizing direct income support and social protection for the workforce. However, the success of this course correction will be measured not just by the initial relief felt by drivers like Satriansyah, but by the sector’s ability to maintain its scale and viability in the months ahead.
