Grab, GoTo Targeted in Driver Protests Across Indonesian Cities

Grab Holdings and GoTo Group, which owns Gojek, were among ride-hailing and delivery services targeted by protesting drivers on May 20 in Indonesia, with thousands gathering to demand better compensation and other terms.

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JAKARTA -

The demonstrations come at a delicate time for the Southeast Asian internet leaders, as Singapore-based Grab has been negotiating to buy its Indonesian rival for over US$7 billion (S$9.1 billion).

Drivers in Indonesia are protesting against what they describe as exploitative app policies and regulatory negligence.

Over 25,000 car and motorcycle drivers were set to join the protests on May 20, logging off their ride and delivery platforms for 24 hours, according to Garda Indonesia, a group for such workers.

Many had traveled from towns across Java and Sumatra, and camped across the capital Jakarta.

Local media reports showed thousands of drivers gathering at several sites on the afternoon of May 20.

The Presidential Palace, the Transport Ministry and Parliament premises, and app company offices were among sites targeted by the protesters, as well as about a dozen other major cities including Yogyakarta and Surabaya, according to Garda.

In Jakarta, the police said it would deploy more than 2,500 personnel to secure protest sites.