Yogyakarta, September 25, 2025—The Center for Digital Society (CfDS) of Universitas Gadjah Mada collaborated with the University of Oxford and Worker Exchange in organizing Difusion #127 titled “Algorithms at the Wheel: Global Perspectives on Ride-Hailing Work”. This discussion brought together Reuben Binns (University of Oxford), James Farrar (Worker Exchange), Ayom Mratita Purbandani (CfDS UGM), as well as Suci Lestari Yuana (Universitas Gadjah Mada).
This public forum highlighted how the algorithm manages and controls the workload of ride-hailing gig workers globally. This forum delved upon whether or not the artificial intelligence based-system can actually produce efficiency, or make gig workers more vulnerable. Through a research report titled “Precarity by Design: AI, Labor Discipline, and the Welfare of Ride-hailing Drivers in Jakarta and Gunungkidul”, researchers at CfDS found out that the aspects of opacity in the systems of AI is not just a mere coincidence, but a calculated approach in supporting the interest of the platform. This algorithm works by exploiting the flexibility of gig workers, where drivers need to work in order to be visible in the system.
In the discussion, Ayom Mratita Purbandani mentioned that “this algorithm exploits the flexibility of gig workers by pushing them to work harder in order for the system to notice them. Other than that, the platform also tries to guard the supply of drivers they have available so as to keep the platform running and also enable price discrimination through mechanisms such as dynamic pricing and differentiation of areas,” explained Ayom.
She also added that, findings in a survey of 56 gig workers in Jakarta and Gunungkidul has shown that 38 people realized the different patterns in the distribution of orders given. “In the field, there appears the term of “akun gacor” for those who often receive orders, and “akun anyep” for those who rarely receive orders. The appearance of these terms only shows that there is a perception in-between drivers regarding favoritism in the system of order distribution,” said Ayom in the discussion session.
Through this international forum, CfDS UGM and its international partners emphasize the importance of transparency in AI algorithms, as well as protection of online gig workers. The algorithm should not only benefit the platform, but also support the livelihoods of the gig workers so that the profit not only goes towards the company, but also towards the welfare of gig workers as a whole. Experts believe that it is important to balance technological efficiency with the welfare of drivers, so digital platforms not only guarantee profits for the company, but also a more inclusive workplace in the future. With that in mind, this forum becomes a part of a collective effort by Fisipol UGM in trying to fulfill SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, which promotes a just, proper, and sustainable work conditions for all.