Illustration (Photo: Brilio.net/Retno Wulandari)
Brilio.net/en -Jakarta, just like many other major cities around the world, have seen a backlash against app-based ride-hailing services by conventional public transportation services such as taxi, bajaj, and bus drivers. But these voices aren't stopping such platforms from growing, as apps like Uber, Grab, and Go-Jek continue efforts to improve their services and find loopholes tooperate even in areas where they might be largely unwanted.
We talk to Juno (not a real name), aride-hailing app driverabout his experiences dropping off and picking up passengers at one of the most controversial areasof operation: the airport.
How long have you been driving for this ride-hailing app and how is it going?
I undertook this business about six months ago, got introduced by a friend. I took a loan to buy this MPV and so far, everything practically runs smoothly. Ive managed to make more than enough, and I used to get the money to pay the monthly installment (for the car) in seven to ten days. The rest is my net income.
So your job's going well. Do you still encounter any major challenges?
Yes, the challenge is still there. Especially when I take guests to the airport, because you know, we [online transportation drivers] are kind of banned to enter the airport. Theres no written regulation, but its like, you know, a mob policy. But trips to and from the airport generate the most income, so we do it anyway. Basically, we're not going against any [official] regulation, so whenwe can, we still take guests to and from both (Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusumah) airports.
Who prohibits you from entering the airport?
Airport staff. They have their own airport taxi brand, so were prohibited from entering the airport to minimize the competition, clearly.
How did they know that youre an online taxi driver?
Honestly, I dont know. They just knew, maybe from our gesture and behavior toward the guests. There is also a certain type of vehicle that can be easily be discovered as online taxi cars. But if we know how to play the game, were getting better at entering the airport without drawing unwanted attention, picking up and dropping off passengers there. Sometimes I asked the guest to sit on the front seat so I wont look like a driver.
Have you ever been caught, and what usually happens?
Yes, once. I was scolded and one of them pointed his finger at me. But luckily I have a brother who is a member of the special forces in the Indonesian military (TNI), so they didnt dare to act further. I just told them, You treated me this way, just be careful.
Actually, I don't want to use connections or whatsoever, but the condition forced me to.
But other drivers who werent as lucky as I am, they got humiliated with physical punishments such as doing push-ups, squats, or got a car tire worn around their necks. Their cars also became targets, often being scratched and beaten.
Do you think there's anysolution to this conflict?
Actually, theres one. If an online public transportation driver wants to enter the airport safely, he can pay between Rp100,000 to Rp 300,000 per week and he will get a sticker. That will mark you as a member of the so-called online taxi community. Withthat sticker on your car, no one will bother you in any airport. But I think I wont pay for such thing. Its a made-up rule anyway.
How do you see the future of these taxi-hailing applications?
Its still promising, I think. I get a good income from this job and as long as the demand is there, the price is right, I think this online taxi application will remain in the business.
So whats your next plan?
Im going to be more focused in this business. I have two other cars that are too old to be online taxi cars. I will sell them and take installments for several new cars. I will be looking for drivers for those cars, be their mentor and teach them all they need to know about being an online taxi driver. I know the game, so I will teach others how to play it well.
(brl/red)
