Motorcycle taxis are very popular in Indonesia. Known as “Ojek,” they are popular in big cities such as Jakarta for their ability to beat traffic jams. They can also offer transport to backwater areas not accessible by conventional taxis.

Despite their popularity, Ojeks are not legal in Indonesia. But neither are they banned. Many motorcycle taxi drivers operate without a license because the cost of getting one is so high.

But now authorities are offering a thousand licenses for free.

The mayor of West Jakarta kicked off the program by giving a vest and a helmet to a motorcycle taxi driver representative.

[David, Motorcycle Taxi Driver]:
"Previously I felt apprehensive not having a driving license. I was afraid the police would catch me on the streets, so I didn’t feel safe. I often looked left and right before I went down a street to see whether there were any police."

Also there was an administration official who offered a symbolic driving license.

[Hasan Basri Saleh, Jakarta Administration Official]:
"Legally, we still regard Ojeks as motor vehicles. But if there were some entrepreneurs wanting to enter this area, we would have some criteria. At the provincial government level, the legality of Ojeks would need to be discussed with the central government."

The scheme is sponsored by a retail store company called Alfamart. They believe Ojek drivers play an important role in helping their business grow.

[Rani Wijaya, Alfamart]:
“They are our closest partners. As we know, Alfamart stores are everywhere and customers wanting to go to Alfamart need transportation. And Ojek drivers have taken a big task bringing our customers to our shops. They are very important for Alfamart itself."

The number of motorcycle taxi drivers has grown tremendously in Jakarta. The low cost of buying a motorcycle and the rising unemployment has turned Ojeks into a popular new profession.

NTD News, Jakarta, Indonesia.