National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said the application is intended to help protect drivers of ride-hailing motorcycle taxis, commonly known in Indonesia as ojol, from potential criminal acts.
“In order to protect online motorcycle taxi drivers who may become victims of violent robbery, I ask regional police chiefs to immediately prepare a panic button application,” Listyo said in a statement on Sunday.
He delivered the instruction while presiding over a security routine event involving ride-hailing drivers and laborers at the Bumi Sriwijaya Stadium in Palembang.
Listyo said the National Police are committed to strengthening safety measures for ride-hailing drivers, who often face risks while working on city streets.
The panic button feature is expected to allow drivers to quickly alert authorities if they encounter threats such as robbery or other forms of violence.
“This application is intended to protect our ride-hailing driver colleagues so they do not become victims of crimes on the streets,” he said.
In addition to the safety feature, the police plan to provide several support facilities for ride-hailing drivers across different regions.
According to Listyo, the initiative will include services such as free motorcycle maintenance and designated rest areas for drivers.
Police will also prepare public service facilities where drivers can access free mechanical checks and other assistance.
“Furthermore, I also request that facilities be established in every region to provide services such as free workshops, ride-hailing driver cafés and continued partnership programs between the National Police and ride-hailing drivers,” he said.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between the police and ride-hailing driver communities.
Ride-hailing motorcycle taxis play a major role in Indonesia’s urban transport system, serving millions of passengers daily and providing employment for a large number of informal workers.
While leading the event in Palembang, Listyo also urged ride-hailing drivers and workers to maintain unity and help safeguard national stability.
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Translator: Laily, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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