Venezuelan President Maduro: Protests at US Embassy by Ojol Drivers

Jakarta – Motorcycle taxi drivers staged a presentation in front of the united States Embassy in Central Jakarta today, demanding the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The unusual protest highlights growing international concern-and some unexpected alliances-over the political situation in Venezuela.

Ojol Drivers Demand Maduro’s Release, Criticize U.S. Policy

The demonstration underscores a surprising level of international solidarity wiht the Venezuelan leader from an unexpected source.

• Online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers protested at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
• The primary demand was the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
• protesters also called for the Indonesian government to condemn U.S. actions toward Venezuela.
• Drivers simultaneously urged President Prabowo Subianto to issue a Presidential Decree regulating the ojol industry.

“Yes, one of our demands is also how to free Maduro,” said Cecep Saripudin, General Chair of the Indonesian Online Ojek Association (O2), at the scene of the demonstration on Wednesday, january 14, 2026. The protest reflects a sentiment that Venezuela should have the freedom to determine its own democratic path, free from external interference.

Did you know? – Venezuela and Indonesia share a history of non-aligned foreign policy, fostering diplomatic ties despite differing political systems. This shared stance may contribute to the Indonesian drivers’ support.

Calls for venezuelan Sovereignty and Criticism of U.S. Actions

Saripudin further demanded that the U.S. cease what he termed “aggression” against Venezuela. “Venezuela is part of a country that should have freedom in democracy, freedom in running its country. America as a symbol of democracy today is nonsense because in fact today all international laws were violated by America,” he stated.

The protesters also implored the Indonesian government to formally condemn the U.S. stance on Venezuela, emphasizing Venezuela’s status as a sovereign nation. “One of the things is that we also ask the government today to give a, what, condemnation of America which is being done to Venezuela, because Venezuela today is a democratic country, a sovereign country,” Saripudin explained.

Pro tip – Indonesian ojol drivers frequently enough leverage protests to raise awareness of their own labor concerns, using international issues to amplify their message to the government.

Ojol Drivers Seek Government Support Amidst Industry Concerns

Beyond the international issue, the demonstration served as a platform to address domestic concerns. Cecep Saripudin directly appealed to President Prabowo Subianto to expedite the issuance of a Presidential Decree regulating the online motorcycle taxi industry. He described the current situation as causing “exceptional” hardship for drivers.

“Today we are here to ask the President to immediately issue a Presidential decree as at this time, up to today, the suffering of online motorcycle taxi friends is extraordinary. The pieces are extraordinary,” Saripudin said. “So we ask the state to be present in the welfare of online motorcycle taxi friends by issuing a regulation or what is called a presidential Decree.”

Reader question – Why would ojol drivers in Indonesia advocate for a foreign leader? The protest likely stems from a shared sense of perceived injustice and anti-imperialist sentiment.

Traffic Disruption in Central Jakarta

The protest led to the closure of Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan towards Jalan MH Thamrin, as reported at 11:50 WIB on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The road was closed in both directions, affecting traffic flow near the Horse St