What is fair? The experience of Indonesian gig workers

Abstract

Millions of workers are employed in Indonesia's gig economy, with evidence of both benefits and problems. This paper provides a first systematic collation of evidence using the five Fairwork principles of decent gig work. Based on data from interviews and secondary sources, it focuses on transportation-related gig work. It finds positives in terms of gross pay levels, action by platforms on work-related risks and harassment of women workers, and some recognition of some worker groups. But it also finds action needed on below-minimum-wage net earnings, long hours, lack of employee status and social protections for workers, inadequate processes for appeal of disciplinary decisions, and constraints on worker voice. The paper ends with recommendations for actions to be taken by government, platforms and consumers in Indonesia.

Keywords

• Gig economy
• Indonesia
• Fairwork
• Digital platforms