COMMISSION DEDUCTIONS, TRANSPARENCY, AND JUSTICE IN THE GIG ECONOMY: AN ISLAMIC ECONOMICS PERSPECTIVE ON SHOPEEFOOD DRIVERS IN PALEMBANG

Abstract

The rapid growth of the digital economy has expanded employment opportunities through the gig economy while simultaneously raising concerns regarding income transparency, platform workers' bargaining power, and fairness in partnership arrangements. This study examines ShopeeFood drivers' perceptions of the fairness and transparency of commission deductions in Palembang, evaluates the mechanism from an Islamic economic perspective, and identifies its implications for driver welfare. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation involving ShopeeFood drivers in Palembang and analyzed inductively through data reduction, data display, conclusion drawing, and verification. The findings show that most drivers do not object to commission deductions as part of the partnership arrangement. Their primary concern is the limited information regarding commission rates, calculation methods, deduction components, and policy changes. Such information asymmetry generates systemic uncertainty and limits drivers' ability to predict their actual earnings. Commission deductions combined with independently borne operating costs also reduce net income and encourage drivers to extend their working hours. From an Islamic economic perspective, these practices indicate that the principles of justice (‘adl), transparency (bayyinah), mutual consent (an-taradin), and clarity of remuneration (ujrah) have not been fully realized and may contain elements of gharar. The study highlights the need for a transparent commission mechanism, clear communication of policy changes, and a more balanced distribution of rights and obligations between digital platforms and drivers.