Inside Indonesia’s Gig Economy: The Real Lives of Gojek and Grab Drivers

In the chaotic streets of Jakarta, Indonesia, ride-hailing drivers are everywhere—zigzagging through traffic, waiting patiently in the heat, or refreshing their apps under the pouring rain. But beyond the helmets and green or black jackets, there’s a reality that often goes unnoticed: real people doing whatever it takes to support their families.

I recently talked to a Gojek driver who’d been working since 5 a.m. He dropped off his kid at school, grabbed a quick breakfast, and got back on the road chasing daily bonuses. “If I don’t start early, it’s tough to hit the target,” he told me. “Especially when it rains—orders drop, but we still have to be out here.”

This isn’t just about making money. For many of these drivers, it’s about survival.

The Merger Talks: Gojek and Grab

There’s been growing chatter lately about a possible merger between Gojek and Grab—the two biggest ride-hailing platforms in Southeast Asia. It’s not the first time the rumor has surfaced, and while nothing is official yet, the conversation is heating up again.

On paper, it makes sense. Merging would reduce competition, cut costs, and possibly make the business more sustainable in the long run. But for the drivers? That’s a whole different story.

“I use both apps,” one Grab driver told me. “Sometimes Gojek is slow, so I switch to Grab. If they merge, we lose options. It’ll be one company calling all the shots.”

For drivers, this means less freedom, more pressure, and probably stricter rules. Right now, they can still move between apps, play the system a bit, and try to hit the best incentives. A merger could make things... tighter.

Longer Hours, Less Control

A lot of these drivers work 10–12 hours a day, six or seven days a week. When it rains hard, they barely get any orders. When it’s too hot, they push through it anyway. And yet, they don’t complain much. Why? Because for most of them, this is the only job available that pays cash and doesn’t ask for a degree or perfect English.

“I don’t have many options,” one driver said. “This job is tough on the body, but it’s honest money. I can still feed my kids. That’s all that matters.”

And once they hit their daily target—usually around Rp150,000 to Rp200,000 ($10–13)—they’ll try to head home and spend time with their families. That little window of time with their loved ones? Priceless.

The Human Cost of Merging Giants

If Gojek and Grab actually merge, things might get more efficient for the companies—but the human cost could be high.

Drivers worry that the app will become stricter with performance scores, harder targets, or even remove “underperforming” drivers altogether. With fewer platforms to lean on, their already-precarious income could become even more unstable.

In a market where labor rights are still evolving, ride-hailing drivers already operate in a gray zone—no fixed income, no benefits, no safety nets. Merging two giants might make the business side of things look clean and shiny, but it could push workers further to the margins.

More Than Just a Ride

Every time you hop into a Gojek or Grab, remember—your driver has probably already spent hours on the road. Maybe he skipped lunch. Maybe he just had a fight with his kid about missing another school event. Or maybe he’s quietly hoping that today’s income will cover dinner.

These jobs might look convenient and “modern,” but underneath, they’re powered by people facing very real economic pressure. They deserve more than just a star rating—they deserve to be heard.

Because in the end, ride-hailing isn’t just about getting from point A to B. It’s about survival. It’s about dignity. And it's about everyday people doing what they can to make it through.