Sopir

Sopir is the Indonesian and Malay term for a person who operates a motor vehicle as a driver. It is used to describe both professional drivers and casual operators who transport passengers or goods. In everyday speech, sopir can refer to anyone who drives a car, truck, bus, taxi, or other vehicle.

Usage and variations: The term can be paired with descriptors to specify the role, such as sopir pribadi (personal driver), sopir taksi (taxi driver), sopir bus, or sopir truk. In formal settings, job titles and employment contracts may use sopir or its variants depending on country and company policy. In Malay-speaking contexts, the term is widely understood and used in similar ways.

Context and regulation: Historically, sopirs were employed by households, firms, and transport services. With the rise of ride-hailing platforms, many sopirs work as independent contractors accepting trips via apps. This shift has raised discussions about licensing, insurance, labor rights, and safety standards. Licensing requirements for drivers and vehicles vary by country and by vehicle category (cars, taxis, buses, trucks).

See also: The concept intersects with transport professions, personal drivers, and the taxi and ride-hailing industries.