Indonesia says Go-Jek, Grab need to register as transport businesses

A passenger sits next to Grab corner sign as he waits for a Grab bike at Sudirman train station in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 26, 2018. REUTERS/Beawiharta

JAKARTA: Indonesia is making it mandatory for Go-Jek and Grab to register as transport companies within two months to ensure they meet safety requirements as a public transport provider, potentially increasing costs and scrutiny of the ride-hailing firms.

The South-East Asian nation and some other countries have been grappling with how to regulate ride-hailing companies. The app-based companies say they should not be treated as a public transport provider since they do not own cars or employ drivers.