Taxi! Two British tourists are DEPORTED from Indonesia after jokingly joining taxi drivers protesting low wages as crowds cheered them on
Two British backpackers were deported from Indonesia after they took part in a motorbike taxi protest against low wages as a joke.
Benjamin James Lovell and his friend Benjamin Thomas Sloan encouraged the locals and even donned headbands in the capital Jakarta on August 29.
They were also captured on camera marching alongside drivers, in their green uniforms, in support of the protest against low wages on taxi apps.
The duo chanted “ojol the best” as they waved red flags given to them by local Indonesians.
The term ‘ojol’ comes from a combination of ‘ojek’ (motorcycle taxi service) and the word ‘online’.
But Messrs. Sloan and Lovell were arrested shortly thereafter on immigration charges for joining the movement.
Benjamin James Lovell and his friend Benjamin Thomas Sloan cheered on the locals and even wore headbands in the capital Jakarta on August 29
The couple in the photo at the airport in Indonesia when they were deported
Hundreds of people protest against low wages on taxi apps
The backpackers reportedly told police they were taking part in the protest as a joke, but officers said they would deport them.
They were photographed at the airport with their passports in hand, just before boarding their deportation flight.
According to Ronald Arman Abdullah, head of Jakarta’s Central Immigration Office, both Britons were arrested for allegedly violating Article 75 of Law No. 6 of 2011 on immigration.
He said: ‘They were caught while making speeches during the Horse Statue protest in Monas last Thursday.
“I instructed the team to take action and arrest them. They were then taken to the office for further investigation.”
The two men, who entered Indonesia on tourist visas, were reportedly held for six days before being deported back to the UK at their own expense on September 4.
They were also captured on camera marching alongside drivers, wearing their green uniforms in support of ride-hailing apps Grab and Gojek.
The two men hold up their passports as they are deported from Indonesia
More than 1,000 motorcycle taxi riders held protests across Indonesia on August 29 to speak out against low wages and alleged unfair practices by taxi companies
The backpackers are believed to have told police they had joined the protest as a joke, but officers said they would deport them.
Silmy Karim, director general of Immigration at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, said: ‘Protest areas are restricted for foreigners. Despite their status as tourists, their participation in the demonstration was a clear violation of immigration regulations.
“I commend the Central Jakarta Immigration Office for their swift action. To prevent further violations and uphold Indonesian standards, immigration officers across the country are vigilant in monitoring both urban and border areas. Foreigners who violate the rules will face consequences.”
More than 1,000 motorcycle taxi drivers protested across Indonesia on August 29 to voice their dissatisfaction over low wages and alleged unfair practices by taxi companies in the country.
They urged the government to provide more protection to motorcycle taxi drivers, as they are a common mode of transportation in Indonesia.
Benjamin James Lovell and his friend Benjamin Thomas Sloan got caught up in the crowd – even jokingly donning headbands and cheering along with the locals
They were seen waving red flags given to them by the riders and laughing as they chanted ‘ojol the best’