Regional demonstrations in Indonesia garner support as meals are delivered to striking drivers
Solidarity from Across Southeast Asia as Indonesia Protests Continue
Indonesia has been gripped by a week-long wave of protests, with the country's citizens taking to the streets to voice their concerns over income inequality and generous perks for lawmakers. The demonstrations gained momentum after the tragic death of delivery driver Affan Kurniawan, who was killed by a police vehicle in Jakarta.
In response, President Prabowo Subianto has stated that the police and military would respond firmly to the protests. However, the protests have so far been peaceful, with images of students and workers on the streets prompting a wave of solidarity across Southeast Asia.
This solidarity has been demonstrated in a unique way – through food orders. Over 1,100 kilometres (701.5 miles) from Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur resident Ayman Hareez Muhammad Adib placed an order for an Indonesian delivery driver via the ride-hailing and food delivery app Grab. The food order was intended for Rizky Azhar as a show of solidarity amid the week-long protests in Indonesia.
Rizky Azhar, who works for Grab and Gojek, operated by Indonesia's largest tech company, GoTo, was surprised by the gesture. He is one of many drivers who have repeatedly protested against low pay, lack of employment security, and unfair practices by ride-hailing companies in Indonesia in recent years.
The orders primarily came from Southeast and East Asia, according to Grab's director of mobility and logistics, Tyas Widyastuti. Grab has reported an increase in orders from abroad for delivery within Indonesia over the past week. The increase in orders from abroad was reported by Grab's spokesperson to Reuters, without specifying the exact volume or origin countries.
The 'Treat Your Driver' feature, introduced by GoTo, has been welcomed by customers during this period as a gesture of solidarity with driver-partners. The orders often come with notes telling the drivers that they may keep the food or share it with their families.
Despite the protests, GoTo and Grab have defended their business practices. However, the solidarity shown by foreign nationals has not gone unnoticed by Rizky Azhar. He expressed his gratitude for the concern shown by people across Southeast Asia, stating that he never expected such support from foreign countries.
The protests have resulted in ten fatalities, with hundreds of motorcycle drivers in Jakarta accompanying a vehicle carrying Affan Kurniawan's body to the cemetery last week. As the protests continue, it remains to be seen whether the solidarity shown by people across Southeast Asia will lead to lasting change in Indonesia.
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