Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Oppose New ID Regulations in Bali
Background of the Debate
In Bali, a heated debate has emerged over proposed regulations that would require online motorcycle taxi and traditional taxi drivers to possess a Bali identity card, known as a KTP. This move has been met with strong resistance from online drivers and their representative organizations, who argue that such a requirement would unfairly restrict access to work opportunities for non-Balinese immigrants.
Concerns Over Constitutional Rights
Aryanto, the chairman of the Bali Online Transport Association (PTOB), has vocally opposed the KTP requirement. According to him, the existing regulation stipulating that a domicile letter is essential for registering as an online driver is adequate. This viewpoint aligns with Gubernatorial Regulation Number 40 of 2019, which governs application-based special rental transportation services in Bali, and the Minister of Transportation’s Regulation Number 118 of 2019. “I reject the KTP requirement, and as the chairman of PTOB, I will file a class action lawsuit against the government if this regulation is enacted,” Aryanto emphasized in a recent statement to detikBali.com. He insisted that it is unjust to differentiate between online drivers based on their origin—whether they are native Balinese or non-Balinese immigrants.
The Domicile Letter vs. KTP Debate
Aryanto clarified that a domicile letter does not require a Balinese ID card and believes it should remain the sole requirement for drivers. He voiced concerns that implementing a KTP requirement could infringe on the constitutional rights of immigrant drivers, effectively diminishing their ability to earn a living. "This isn’t just a business matter; it’s about ensuring justice and equality for all citizens in their pursuit of livelihood," he stated.
Diverging Views Among Driver Associations
The friction extends beyond just the online driver community. The Bali Tourism Driver Association, along with the Bali Tourism Driver Struggle Forum (FPDP), favors changed stipulations. They advocate for replacing the domicile letter with a Bali KTP as the principal requirement for working as an online taxi driver. This group is also pushing for limiting the number of online taxi vehicles operating in Bali, as well as calls for the regulation and standardization of rental transportation rates and special rental transport vendors.
Future Regulatory Changes Awaiting New Governance
Bali’s local government acknowledges the necessity of establishing a new framework for both online and traditional transportation. Dewa Made Mahayadnya, chairman of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), confirmed that regulations would be established through a regional law (perda) following the inauguration of the newly elected governor in February 2025. “The perda is currently under discussion by the Regional Regulation Formation Agency (Bapemperda), with further developments to be determined under the new administration,” Mahayadnya stated on January 21, 2025. #### Conclusion
As discussions continue, the potential impact of these regulations on Bali’s transportation landscape remains a contentious issue. Both online taxi drivers and traditional drivers are mobilizing to have their voices heard, promoting a vision for equitable working conditions amidst the backdrop of Bali’s vibrant tourism scene. With the finalized regulations still pending, all stakeholders are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the hope of achieving a fair outcome.
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