Recently a photo of an “ojek syariah” has been a hot topic of discussion on Indonesian social media. What makes this ojek different from your standard motorcycle taxi is that it has a barrier between the driver and the passenger (with the words ‘syariah’ helpfully painted on it to make its purpose extra clear).

The concept of “ojek syariah” has been around for a while. For example, this Republika article from January has photos of an “ojek syariah” stand in Tebet. But the Tebetan ojeks focused on the fair and equitable aspects of sharia law, promising passengers reasonable rates and friendly service while rotating drivers so that each can make a fair amount.

The ojek syariah picture making the rounds seems to focus on the “no touching a member of the opposite sex you’re not related or married to” aspect of sharia. Even if Indonesian women want to observe that aspect of Islamic law, it’s almost impossible to do so as the passenger on the ojek since you have to straddle the driver and occasionally press up against him (especially when he has to suddenly brake). Unless you sit side-saddle, which can be dangerous and uncomfortable. The metal barrier seems to take care of those problems.

Although the origin of the photo of the mysterious ojek syariah has not been determined, from the B on his license plate we know the motorcycle is at least registered in Jakarta.

Yuni Andriyana, writing about ojek syariahs on her blog, also included some mock-ups of a motorcycle with the barrier design.

Yuni even speculates that this new type of ojek design could allow for the emergence of female ojek drivers to serve other women, creating “100% ojek syariah.”

A few of the reactions to ojek syariah on Twitter:

Bagus deh itu Ojek Syariah, inovatif. Jangan lupa sebelum naik, baca doa dan harus punya wudhu. Semoga barokah :’) — negativisme (@negativisme) November 5, 2014

“Great idea, Ojek Syariah, innovative. Don’t forget, before you ride, read your prayers and do your ablutions. May you be blessed.”

Setelah Bank Syariah, Ojek Syariah sepertinya perlu juga ada Hotel syariah biar yang mau ngamar terhindar dari perzinahan. Semoga ada ~Neg — igede anune (@werku_doro) November 5, 2014

“After Bank Syariah and Ojek Syariah, there should also be Hotel syariah for those that want to avoid adultery. Hopefully.”

The excitement over this one photo seems to show that there would probably be a very appreciative market for this form of ojek if it became a bigger thing. We know women feel that public transportation isn’t very safe for them in Jakarta, so anything that would help them feel more comfortable would have to be a good thing. If it included the other aspects of sharia, like fair rates and good service, even better.

Ladies, would you feel safer, and be willing to pay extra, to use ojek syariah? Let us know on our Facebook page, ya?

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