Two British backpackers were deported from Indonesia after jokingly joining in with a motorbike taxi protest against low wages.
Benjamin James Lovell and friend Benjamin Thomas Sloan cheered the locals on and even donned headbands in the capital Jakarta on August 29.
They were also caught on camera marching alongside the drivers and wearing their green uniforms in support of the protest against low wages on ride-hailing apps.
The pair were heard chanting ‘ojol the best’ as they waved red flags given to them by Indonesian locals.
The term ‘ojol’ comes from a combination of ‘ojek’ or motorcycle taxi service, and the word ‘online’.
But Mr Sloan and Mr Lovell were arrested shortly afterwards on immigration charges for joining the movement.
Benjamin James Lovell and friend Benjamin Thomas Sloan cheered the locals on and even donned headbands in the capital Jakarta on August 29
The pair pictured at the airport in Indonesia as they were deported
Hundreds of people stage a protest against low wages on ride-hailing apps
The backpackers are understood to have told police they joined the protest as a joke but officers said they would proceed with deporting them.
They were pictured at the airport holding their passports shortly before boarding their deportation flight.
Ronald Arman Abdullah, head of the Central Jakarta Immigration Office, said both Brits were arrested for reportedly violating Article 75 of Law No. 6 of 2011 regarding immigration.
He said: ‘They were observed giving speeches during the protest near the Horse Statue, Monas, last Thursday.
‘I directed the team to take action and detain them. They were subsequently brought to the office for further investigation.’
The two men who entered Indonesia on tourist visas were reportedly detained for six days before being deported back to the UK on September 4 at their own expense.
They were also caught on camera marching alongside the drivers and 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 staged protests across Indonesia on August 29 to speak out against low pay and allegedly unfair practices by ride-hailing companies
The backpackers are understood to have told police they joined the protest as a joke but officers said they would proceed with deporting 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 involvement in the demonstration constituted a clear breach of immigration rules.
‘I commend the Central Jakarta Immigration Office for their swift action. To prevent further violations and uphold Indonesia’s standards, immigration officers across the country are vigilant in monitoring both urban and border areas. Foreigners who breach regulations will face consequences.’
More than 1,000 motorcycle taxi riders staged protests across Indonesia on August 29 to speak out against low pay and allegedly unfair practices by ride-hailing companies in the country.
They urged the government to implement more protections for drivers of motorcycle taxis which are a widespread form of transport in Indonesia.
Benjamin James Lovell and friend Benjamin Thomas Sloan were caught up in crowds – even jokingly putting on headbands and cheering with the locals
They were seen waving red flags given to them by the riders and laughing while chanting ‘ojol the best’
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
