<![CDATA[The rapid growth of the platform economy (gig economy) in Indonesia has introduced a new model of working relationship that is constructed by platform providers as a partnership relationship. This issue is therefore important to examine, as it potentially conceals the actual employment relationship and places online motorcycle taxi drivers beyond the reach of wage protection and labour rights. This research employs a normative juridical method with descriptive-analytical specifications, relying on primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials, which are analysed qualitatively based on the principle of primacy of facts. The findings of the research on the partnership documents of Gojek, Grab, and ShopeeFood demonstrate that the three elements of an employment relationship, namely work, wages, and command, are cumulatively fulfilled through algorithmic management that unilaterally controls tariffs, penalties, and account suspensions. Government Regulation Number 35 of 2021 does not provide comprehensive distinguishing criteria between genuine partnerships and bogus partnerships, thereby giving rise to a legal loophole that is exploited by platform providers to circumvent their labour obligations. These findings indicate the existence of a disguised employment relationship that is detrimental to drivers' rights. Consequently, the optimisation of regulation becomes significant in order to realise comprehensive legal protection for workers in the digital economy era.]]>
