KUALA LUMPUR — Hours after attending the National Day parade in Putrajaya yesterday, Grab co-founder Anthony Tan flew to Makassar to lend his support to the Grab community reeling from severe casualties in the ongoing nationwide protests in Indonesia.
Tan was at the parade to cheer on the Grab drivers and riders in a 100-member contingent, led by Country Operations and Mobility director Rashid Shukor, who marched under the banner of #GrabBersamaMalaysia.
Grab Indonesia confirmed that two of its driver-partners had died and three others were injured during the unrest.
Tan, wearing a songkok, met the family of Rusdamdiansyah — known as Dandi — who was killed in Makassar, offering condolences and pledging long-term support.
“Dandi’s mother said he worked hard and shouldered the load to support his family as the eldest son,” Tan posted on LinkedIn.
“The team is offering whatever aid we can to the family. And we hope this helps his family to take steps to rebuild their lives.”
“My prayers are with the people of Indonesia. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected. To our driver and delivery-partners who serve our community every day, you are part of our Grab family, and we will be here to support you. No one should face hardship alone,” added Tan, who is also Group CEO of Grab.
Grab Indonesia said Dandi had been with the company for more than seven years and was “not just a partner, but part of a family that grew with us”.
The company is providing immediate financial assistance, logistical support, and two years of health coverage for his family, along with business capital through GrabKios mentorship to help them rebuild.
‘Outrage after deaths’
The unrest has intensified since the death of Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver who was struck by a police vehicle in Jakarta.
Grab confirmed he was one of its riders.
“Besides Dandi, we also remember the late Affan Kurniawan,” Tan said. “There are also other partners being treated in hospitals now, and my team has reached out to check in on them.”
His death, along with those of Dandi, Akbar “Abay” Basri, Sarina Wati and Syaiful Akbar in Makassar, has fuelled anger across Indonesia. In Yogyakarta, student Rheza Sendy Pratama also died during clashes.
Grab has turned its logo black in mourning, posting a monochrome image of its drivers. The company also expressed support for Moh Umar Amarudin, a ride-hailing driver from Sukabumi injured in Jakarta, as well as other affected partners, including Aji Pratama and Budi Haryadi.
The protests, which began over parliamentarians’ perks and broader economic grievances, have spiralled into deadly unrest, with demonstrators storming government buildings, police stations and public infrastructure.
‘Emergency response’
In response to safety concerns, Grab has launched GERCEP — short for Grab Respon Cepat — a new emergency channel to support drivers during high-risk situations such as demonstrations. It provides a dedicated hotline, HelpCenter access and live chat with trained agents.
The foundation builds on Grab’s existing Task Force and Incident Response Team but is designed to offer faster, more structured handling of emergencies separate from routine operations.
In addition to immediate compensation and medical coverage, Grab is extending longer-term support through business grants and its “Traktir Driver” programme, which allows customers to purchase meals for drivers.
“Grab provides tangible support, from compensation to long-term assistance programmes, so that driver-partners continue to feel safe and protected,” Tan said.
‘Community response’
Tan’s visit drew wide attention on social media. Instagram users, including @perumpianduniawik, praised him for travelling in person to the bereaved families, with one post describing his gesture as “big respect for Grab Indonesia”.
Lifestyle platform JKTGO also shared images of the visit, noting that Grab’s support ranged from financial assistance and health coverage to business capital through GrabKios, adding that “Grab is present in both work and in real life for its partners”.
Media outlets, including CNN Indonesia, highlighted the company’s commitment to provide health cover and GrabKios business capital to Dandi’s family.
The protests show no signs of abating, but Tan has sought to assure Grab drivers and the public that the company is “always present, in joy and sorrow, to stand with its partners”. — September 1, 2025
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