Between Ideality and Reality: Social Protection for Ride-Hailing Drivers in Indonesia

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital platforms in Indonesia has positioned ride-hailing drivers as a significant part of the gig workforce, yet their access to social protection remains limited. While the G20 and the International Labour Organization have emphasized inclusive and sustainable social protection for all workers, the translation of these ideals into practice shows persistent gaps in Indonesia. This paper explores workers’ compensation insurance for ride-hailing drivers, focusing on the employment injury security program (JKK) under BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. Using qualitative analysis of social security data, literature review, and semi-structured interviews with drivers, the study identifies three critical 
challenges. First, misclassification of workers persists, as platform companies label drivers as partners rather than employees, excluding them from mandatory coverage. Second, coverage remains extremely low: in 2023, only about 7.9% of the 2.3 million ride-hailing drivers were enrolled in JKK, leaving the majority without protection against work-related accidents. Third, algorithmic opacity limits drivers’ rights, as platform-controlled data on earnings and workload directly influences their ability to contribute to and benefit from social insurance. The findings highlight the gap between policy ideals and real conditions on the ground. To close this gap, the paper recommends: (i) revising regulations to ensure clearer classification of gig workers; (ii) expanding coverage beyond voluntary enrolment by introducing mandatory participation and targeted subsidies for low-income drivers; and (iii) requiring greater transparency from platforms to safeguard workers’ rights. Indonesia’s experience demonstrates the challenges of adapting traditional social protection frameworks to new forms of work, offering lessons for other emerging economies facing similar transformations.