The effect of COVID-19: To what extent does food delivery substitute eating out trips in Yogyakarta, Indonesia?

Abstract

Abstract In Indonesia, food delivery services are dominated by ride-hailing companies that has evolved into a super-app, called ride-hailing food delivery (RHFD). Food delivery has gained increased attention during the pandemic, particularly as an alternative to eating out. The study aims to assess the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) on travel and out-of-home activity by analyzing primary data collected from ride-hailing app users in Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia. The data was analyzed using a random effect ordered logistic panel model. The results indicate a complementary relationship between food delivery and eating out. Individuals who frequently use food delivery services are more likely to also engage in eating out activities, and vice versa. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on these behaviors. Eating out experienced a substantial decrease during the pandemic, while food delivery remained stable. The findings highlight that food delivery cannot easily replace the experience of eating out, even under lockdown conditions. Overall, this study provides insights into the dynamics between food delivery and eating out, emphasizing the complexities and limitations of substituting one with the other.