Gojek, Tokopedia in $18 billion merger talks for Indonesia's biggest deal

Online motorbike taxi drivers use their smartphones while waiting for customers in Jakarta, Indonesia, June 10, 2020. Picture taken June 10, 2020. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Indonesian ride-hailing and payments firm Gojek and e-commerce leader Tokopedia are in advanced talks to seal a $18 billion merger ahead of a potential dual listing in Jakarta and the United States, people with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.

A deal, which would be the biggest yet for Indonesia, could transform the landscape in the country's e-commerce market, whose growth has accelerated as stay-at-home pandemic restrictions have stoked demand for food delivery and e-payments.