Grab’s Singapore CEO Brings Support to Makassar Amid Driver Protest Tragedy

MAKASSAR, RAKYAT NEWS – In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, Anthony Tan, Group CEO and Co-Founder of Grab, flew directly from Singapore to Makassar, Indonesia, to visit the family of Rusdamdiansyah (Dandi), a Grab motorcycle driver who tragically lost his life during a violent protest on August 29.

His presence marked a strong statement of empathy and corporate responsibility during a deeply sorrowful time.

Anthony Tan was accompanied by several top executives from Grab and OVO, including Dyah NK Makhijani (President Commissioner of OVO), Dion Soetadi (CFO of Grab Indonesia), and Tirza Munusamy (Chief of Public Affairs Grab Indonesia).

The team’s visit aimed not just to pay respects, but also to ensure the family felt supported both emotionally and financially during this difficult time.

“Grab wants to ensure that in both joy and sorrow, our partners and their families never walk alone,” Anthony said during his visit on September 1. According to the company’s official press release the next day, Grab has provided initial financial aid and logistical support to help the grieving family cope with the sudden loss.

Going beyond short-term relief, Grab has pledged two years of health insurance coverage through BPJS Kesehatan for Dandi’s family.

Moreover, they are offering business capital through the GrabKios program, allowing the family to build a new source of income and move forward with dignity.

To better protect its driver-partners in the future, Grab also announced the launch of a new emergency support channel called GERCEP (Grab Respons Cepat).

This service allows drivers to report emergency situations and get immediate help during times of danger or unrest, such as protests.

The GERCEP system can be accessed through a 24/7 hotline at 021-2350-7032, the emergency HelpCenter page at grb.to/gercep, or via LiveChat with trained agents inside the Grab app. This marks a major step by the company in improving the safety and welfare of its frontline workers.

Anthony also extended his condolences to the family of Affan Kurniawan, another Grab driver who passed away in Jakarta during recent demonstrations. He offered prayers for the recovery of three other injured drivers: Moh Umar Amarudin, Aji Pratama, and Budi Haryadi, who are currently receiving treatment in Jakarta and Makassar.

Grab’s direct involvement in the aftermath of this tragedy has sparked public discussion. While many praised the company’s leadership for showing genuine compassion, others called for long-term improvements in labor protections for gig economy workers. Regardless, this visit underscored the growing importance of corporate accountability in times of crisis.(Uki Ruknuddin)