Large-scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) have been in place in Jakarta since Friday, but it seems those in central government can’t seem to agree on one crucial aspect of the COVID-19 containment protocol: can app-based motorcycle taxis (locally known as ojol) pick up passengers while it’s in effect?
The regulations contained in Jakarta’s PSBB, which was approved by the Health Ministry, originally contained a prohibition on ojols transporting passengers. As such, ojols were only allowed to transport goods and food for customers. Even the two major ride-sharing apps in Indonesia, Gojek and Grab, were on board with the idea.
But yesterday, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Pandjaitan, in his capacity as acting transportation minister with the absence of Budi Karya due to COVID-19, signed a regulation allowing ojols to transport passengers.
“In the regulation, [ojols] are allowed to transport passengers but they must obey health protocols, such as disinfecting their motorcycles, wearing masks and gloves,” Transportation Ministry Land Transportation Director General Budi Setiyadi said in a press conference yesterday, as quoted by Kompas.
The ministry’s spokeswoman, Adita Irawati, said the regulation was passed based on the current needs of the public.
“The public have been urged to stay home, but many aren’t able to do so due to work obligations,” she said.
There you have it. For now, you can still get around on ojols — at least until another ministerial regulation rides along.
