Motorcycle Taxi - Indonesia

Indonesia

Motorcycle taxis (ojek) are a very common unlicensed form of transport in Indonesia. Commonly called ojek, they can be found in most areas of the country, from towns where traffic jams sometimes greatly hinder other forms of transport to rural areas areas where four-wheeled vehicles cannot travel. Would-be passengers usually haggle with the driver over the fee which is generally around IDR 5,000 to IDR 10,000 (about 50ยข to US$ 1) for short trips.

Many motorcycle taxi drivers own their vehicles or are paying installments for them through credit. The availability of cheap Indonesian-made motorcycles from Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki and some cheaper Chinese imports combined with the ease with which driver's licenses can be obtained and credit schemes has resulted in the rapid growth of motorcycle taxis. In several areas, the motorcycles used are often stolen ones without any papers.

Indonesian law requires motorcycle riders to wear helmets. However often only the driver does so. Sometimes drivers provide a helmet for the passenger but more likely drivers will simply avoid larger streets where police might catch the violation.

Because of traffic, ojek are often the fastest form of transport, especially in Jakarta. Many people choose ojek rather than taxis because although taxis are much safer, ojek are cheaper can easily manoeuvre through the traffic.

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