Yogyakarta, 13th November 2020—Center for Digital Society (CfDS) FISIPOL UGM came back with the 44th Digitalk. This discussion was titled as Gig Economy in the Middle of a Pandemic; Can It Survive? and presented Mutamad Imam, Business Manager of Maxim Taxi, as the speaker. Moderated by Firya Qurratu’ain Abisono, Partnership Associate of CfDS, this discussion was started at 03.30 p.m.
As usual, the discussion began with an opening—the moderator introduced himself, explained a few topics to be raised, and invited the speaker to introduce and tell about his background. In this discussion, Imam talked more about his experiences and practices—what he and the team had done and would do.
Imam started the discussion by telling about Maxim company and its development in Indonesia. Maxim, which is one of the players of the Gig Economy, also faces the same obstacles as experienced by other sectors.
Imam said that even at the beginning of the pandemic, with partners already operating in 35 cities, there was a decrease in orders to 70%. This is where Maxim sees that their efforts are required to be adaptive and flexible.
Before the pandemic, Maxim had three types of services, there were two and four-wheeled modes, delivery, and cargo, both in the form of pickup and box. During this pandemic, Maxim tried to open services for new segments, such as food delivery and grocery shopping. Imam stated that Maxim’s step was a new challenge because the public was accustomed to food delivery services from other companies.
Apart from that, Maxim also started providing massage, spa, cleaning and laundry services. Although Maxim initially thought it would be stagnant, Imam stated that the result was that the company was growing. The demand for partners is also increasing.
Maxim’s action is also one of Maxim’s efforts to support MSMEs. Maxim strives to have an impact on all parties, both driver partners and user partners.
In the midst of this pandemic, Maxim has a principle of being able to survive and survive, Imam explained. It is precisely by utilizing enthusiasm, speed, agility and flexibility that Maxim sees a lot of potential that can be exploited.
Imam explained that during the pandemic, Maxim tried to add and continue to improve its features. At the moment, Maxim is starting to provide a payment system like other platforms. Mapping and new services are also being improved to make it easier to use.
The discussion is conducted using a talk show-like system—the moderator asked several questions and was answered by the speaker. Some participants also wrote their questions in the Google Meet room comments column.
“When we know what we have or are dealing with, it helps a lot. Creativity is not enough. Speed, adaptable, agile, that we must have” Imam said as his closing statement. The discussion was officially ended after the moderator announced the best questioner.