Indonesia's fare hike for ride-hailing motorbikes postponed again

The hike would have raised prices by nearly 50 per cent in the capital city of Jakarta. PHOTO: REUTERS

JAKARTA (BLOOMBERG) - Indonesia once again deferred the imposition of higher fares for ride-hailing motorcycle taxis that were set to come into force on Monday (Aug 29).

The Ministry of Transportation did not give a new a deadline for online motorcycle taxi operators to raise minimum tariffs, which would have raised prices by nearly 50 per cent in the capital city of Jakarta.

The hike was initially set for Aug 14, then pushed back to Aug 29.

"This decision to postpone takes into account various situations and conditions that develop in the community," spokesman Adita Irawati said in a statement on Sunday.

"The delay is needed to get more input from stakeholders, as well as conduct a review to get the best results."

Inflation in South-east Asia's largest economy is expected to accelerate from a seven-year high of 4.94 per cent amid higher food and energy costs.

The government is also considering to raise prices of subsidised fuels to ease the strain on the state budget.

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