Ride-hailing giants Grab Holdings and GoTo are set to significantly reduce the commission they take from motorbike drivers in Indonesia, cutting the rate to 8% from the current 20% effective July 1. The move follows the implementation of Presidential Regulation No. 27/2026, which caps platform commissions for online ride-hailing services, ensuring drivers retain at least 92% of fares.
The new rate will apply to GrabBike and Gojek's GoRide services, both popular two-wheeled transportation options in the Southeast Asian nation. Grab Indonesia CEO Neneng Goenadi and GoTo executive Catherine Hindra Sutjahyo confirmed the timeline, with Sutjahyo describing the adjustment as a measure to "improve the welfare" of motorbike taxi driver partners.
Grab shares traded at $3.46 in pre-market activity on Monday, down $0.02 from the prior close, ahead of regular Nasdaq hours. The stock has been under pressure as investors assess the financial implications of the regulatory change in one of Grab's key markets.
The commission reduction directly impacts platform fee income from motorcycle rides. However, Grab has previously noted that Indonesian motorcycle ride-hailing, known locally as ojol, accounts for less than 6% of its total Mobility Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). The company has stated that it expects its Mobility adjusted EBITDA margins to remain within historical ranges in 2026.
Grab's first-quarter results showed revenue of $955 million, up 24% year-over-year, with net profit of $120 million. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $154 million. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting revenue between $4.04 billion and $4.10 billion, and adjusted EBITDA of $700 million to $720 million.
GoTo, which operates Gojek as Grab's primary local competitor in both ride-hailing and food delivery, is moving in lockstep with Grab on the commission cut. This coordinated approach prevents either platform from gaining a competitive disadvantage in driver take-home pay.
The new regulation, Presidential Regulation No. 27/2026, not only caps commissions but also introduces additional protections for drivers, including coverage for accidents and healthcare, as reported in May. The rule shifts the fare split from the previous 80:20 arrangement in favor of drivers, who will now receive at least 92% of each fare.
Industry analysts note that the reduced commission could pressure Grab's revenue per motorcycle ride, potentially limiting the company's ability to fund driver incentives and rider discounts. However, the relatively small contribution of ojol to Grab's overall Mobility GMV may mitigate the broader financial impact.
Grab Holdings, listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker GRAB, continues to navigate regulatory changes across Southeast Asia. The company's outlook for 2026 remains unchanged, with management expressing confidence in maintaining profitability metrics within historical ranges despite the new commission structure in Indonesia.
