The Gig Economy Dilemma: Exploring Alternatives to Create Decent Work for Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers in Indonesia

Abstract

GIG economy, or better known as the platform economy because of its use of technology, has become a world economic phenomenon that has developed rapidly in the last decade, including in Indonesia. It cannot be denied that the GIG economy has had a positive impact on increasing employment opportunities or at least suppressing the spike in unemployment amidst the current crisis. However, this economic model raises a new problem related to workers' protection issues. This research aims to present various alternatives that can be used to create decent work for ojol drivers in Indonesia. A literature review was conducted to capture existing solutions and then adapt them to the current Indonesian context. The results of the research suggest: 1) Ministry of Manpower initiates a testing process for the terminology "partner" or "worker" for ojol drivers so that their work relationship status becomes clear and the results of this test can become the basis for formulating further regulations, 2) Ministry of Manpower can expand the definition of three elements contained in an employment relationship are work, wages and orders, 3) utilizing the existence of a community or "paguyuban" of ojol drivers as a representative voice of ojol drivers and several other alternatives which can be found in this article.