Indonesia’s anti-trust watchdog levies $3 million in fines on Grab and partner

Indonesia’s anti-trust watchdog said Grab had discriminated against its drivers, prioritizing those provided by partner PT Teknologi Pengangkutan Indonesia to the Softbank-backed firm. (AFP file photo)
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  • Grab infringed the anti-monopoly laws after evaluating the case
  • Grab is Southeast Asia’s most valuable startup with a valuation of $14 billion

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s anti-trust watchdog announced fines totaling more than $3 million for Grab and its business partner after finding it guilty of breaking anti-monopoly laws, a verdict the ride-hailing firm vowed to appeal.
The Business Competition Supervisory Commission (KPPU) said it had found Grab had discriminated against its drivers, prioritizing those provided by partner PT Teknologi Pengangkutan Indonesia (TPI) to the Softbank-backed firm.
In a statement, Dinni Melanie, the chair of the watchdog judicial panel, said it had found Grab infringed the anti-monopoly laws after evaluating the case on Thursday evening.
The agency imposed a fine of $2.1 million on Grab and a penalty of $1.03 million rupiah on TPI.
A spokesman for Grab, which is Southeast Asia’s most valuable startup with a valuation of $14 billion, said the firm would appeal the verdict.
“Grab’s view is that it has not violated any regulation, engaged in any anti-competitive business practices, or injured any third parties,” he said, characterizing the watchdog’s findings as “unsubstantiated allegations.”
Reuters could not immediately reach TPI to seek comment.