A possible GoTo-Grab merger could reshape ride-hailing

Two of the biggest names in Southeast Asian apps, Indonesia's GoTo and Singapore's Grab, may be moving toward a merger, and it would reshape how millions of Indonesians get around and order food. Writing for the Lowy Institute, Rizky Kurniawan explains that a combined company could control up to 91 percent of Indonesia's ride-hailing market.

The appeal is ending a long, costly price war. GoTo and Grab have spent years undercutting each other to win riders and drivers, burning through huge sums. Joining forces could steady prices and stop the losses. But the risk is a near-monopoly: with one company controlling almost the whole market, drivers and small merchants could lose the bargaining power that competition gave them, and prices for riders could later rise.

Kurniawan argues Indonesia already has the tools to handle this, including competition law, labour rules, and consumer protection. The real question, he says, is whether regulators will actually enforce them, or let a giant new company set the terms. For the millions who drive for these apps or depend on them daily, the answer matters a lot.

Why it matters

If you ride, order food, or drive for these apps, a merger could change your prices, your fees, and your bargaining power. Less competition often means worse terms for drivers and, over time, higher costs for customers. Watch whether regulators set firm conditions on any deal, or wave it through.