working relationship, a specific employment agreement between them must exist and
comprise at least four elements; work, command, time, and pay (Izzati, 2018). The agreement
must clearly state and specify the work for the worker according to the employer’s command
and authorization (Izzati, 2018). The precise amount of wage as remuneration for such work
has to be stipulated along with the length of the agreement, either in a specific time frame or
referring to prevailing regulations (Izzati, 2018).
Ride-hailing app drivers utilizes a gig economy system which shifts immensely from
the traditional labour system, supposedly stripping drivers of the benefit of employment
scheme namely minimum wage, working hours, and insurance. Drivers are perceived as
“micro-entrepreneurs, who work freely for themselves (Nastiti, 2017). Drivers and platforms
relationship, however, fall under a grey territory since it cannot be classified as an
employment relationship yet their work is scrutinized according to their performance and
duration of work (Colgrave, 2019) through algorithmic labor control (Nastiti, 2017). The
above-mentioned algorithm transitioned the commanding authority and the obligation to pay
riders every time they booked a trip from the drivers through platforms, thus nullifying
employment relations between platforms and drivers. Generally, the absence of an
employment relationship between drivers and platforms results in the inability of labor law
to protect but some argues that labor exceptions can be made regarding informal sector
workers (Hamid, Aldila, & Intan, 2022). However, an in-depth review of partnership
arrangements between platforms and drivers is needed to assess whether drivers can be
categorized as informal sector workers.
In addition to legal uncertainty to its employment position, drivers also face fierce
competition among themselves. Most drivers are economically vulnerable combined with low
barriers to entry therefore they rely on being a driver as their sole income. During the initial
years, drivers are forecasted to earn more than conventional Ojek because they accept more
fares per day and earn bonuses after completing a certain number of orders (Jurriëns &
Tapsell, 2017). As more drivers joined the platforms, the number of trips required to qualify
for bonuses is getting harder to meet with the stream of driver supplies. Failure to meet the
required number of trips will significantly lower drivers’ income since they are not entitled to
bonuses due to their performance (Jurriëns & Tapsell, 2017). The platform algorithm uses the
carrot and stick method, essentially incentives and punishments are given according to their
performance (Nastiti, 2017). This system tends to prompt drivers to work longer hours and
accept less favoured orders for the sake of meeting the requirements for incentives and
avoiding punishments (Nastiti, 2017), thus dangerously bordering on exploitation more
orders (Jurriëns & Tapsell, 2017). Smartphones and mobile internet drives the rapid
development of ride-hailing apps and offer a welcoming solution for connecting nearby
drivers and in-need riders. Although the sentiment around the ride-hailing platform is to
provide autonomy to drivers while increasing their income and subsequently their general
welfare (Jurriëns & Tapsell, 2017), the platform is made to cater to riders. This paper is limited
to discussing two-wheel ride-hailing service in the platform, however, it should be noted that
the platform has transformed into a super app offering services from transportation, food
deliveries, goods delivery, payment, and loans[5] with the objectives of improving users
satisfaction. Focusing predominantly on the consumer experience, the platform upgrades its
services often and usually without the need for policy interference. Operating to offer services