Fuel cost soar to Rp 16,000 per liter, Anita keeps Driving through the bustle of Jakarta
Official fuel prices have increased since June 10, 2026 in Indonesia. The surge in fuel costs, along with rising daily living expenses, has created significant challenges for ride-hailing drivers. This is especially true for female drivers who are also mothers and must ensure that their children's needs continue to be met.
Every day, Anita starts her shift early in the morning and spends most of her time navigating the busy streets of the capital. Despite rising operating costs caused by higher fuel prices, she says she has little choice but to keep working.
She has also noticed a decline in the number of passengers in recent months. With the economy becoming more difficult, many people are cutting back on spending, including their use of ride hailing services.
To reduce expenses, she has adopted several cost saving strategies, including turning off the air conditioning while waiting for ride requests or when there are no passengers in the car, despite having to endure the capital city's intense heat. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to providing the best possible service to every passenger. For her, working hard and ensuring customer satisfaction are essential ways to persevere and continue supporting her family's needs and her children's future.
For her, driving is more than just a source of income but it is also a responsibility as a mother who wants to provide a better future for her children.
Anita hopes the government will implement policies that are more favorable to online transportation drivers. Hopefully, in the future, there will be collaboration between the government and app companies to create policies that support the well being of online drivers, who struggle every day to serve the public amid various economic challenges.
