Bali Implements New Regulations to Restrict Tour Guides and Tourist Drivers from Outside the Province
In an effort to resolve ongoing tensions within its tourism transportation sector, the Bali Provincial Government has introduced a new regional regulation targeting the presence of tour guides and tourist drivers arriving from outside Bali. Signed into law on October 28, 2025, the legislation aims to address concerns raised by local drivers and regulate the growing number of external drivers operating within the island.
Background of the Issue
For several years, disputes have persisted between Balinese taxi drivers and tour guide drivers and their counterparts originating from other Indonesian provinces. Local drivers have voiced frustration over what they describe as an oversaturation of the market by non-Balinese operators, which they argue undermines their livelihoods.
The Bali Tourism Driver Struggle Forum (FPDP) has been a vocal advocate for the local drivers’ interests. In January 2025, the FPDP organized protests demanding governmental action to tighten regulations on tourism taxis and the online ride-hailing sector. Their campaign sparked a dialogue between stakeholders and government representatives, leading to the development of the new Regional Regulation, formally known as the Perda on the Implementation of Application-Based Special Rental Transportation Services (ASK) for Tourism.
Key Provisions of the Regulation
The regulation enforces several critical measures to ensure that tourism transportation services benefit local drivers and enhance overall service quality. Among the primary points:
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Driver Qualifications: Transportation companies are now mandated to hire drivers holding Balinese ID cards, effectively limiting non-local drivers.
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Vehicle Licensing: All tourist vehicles must carry local licenses and DK-plates, ensuring official recognition and compliance with provincial transportation standards.
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Standardization Programs: Tourist transport vehicles must display the official Kreta Bali Smita label. This program standardizes vehicle suitability, comfort, and maintenance through integration with a Fleet Management System (FMS) and Vehicle Maintenance System (VMS).
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Skill Certification: Tourist drivers, including those operating through applications like GoJek and Grab, will be required to demonstrate safe driving skills and a comprehensive understanding of Balinese cultural tourism.
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Driver and Community Involvement: A task force involving local communities and driver associations will be established to oversee regulation enforcement and operations.
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Fare Structure: Importantly for consumers, the regulation stipulates that taxi tariffs will remain uniform, with no differentiated pricing between tourist and local rates, addressing previous issues of fare discrepancies.
Government and Community Reactions
I Nyoman Suyasa, Coordinator of the Special Committee responsible for drafting the regulation, explained the implementation approach and stressed the importance of the Kreta Bali Smita vehicle labeling program in maintaining high standards for tourist transport.
Deputy Governor Nyoman Giri Prasta expressed optimism about the legislation’s role not only in organizing Bali’s transportation sector but also in bolstering the province’s cultural tourism image. He noted, “Because of the orderliness in Bali, hopefully in the future it can become a role model for the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia.”
Made Darmayasa, Coordinator of the FPDP, praised the efforts of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) and the provincial government. He highlighted the forum’s continued involvement in the upcoming technical regulations to be enacted through a gubernatorial regulation. Darmayasa also welcomed the decision against introducing different pricing tiers based on tourist status.
Looking Ahead
These new regulations represent a significant step toward resolving the longstanding dispute between local and non-local tourism transport operators in Bali. As enforcement begins in the coming months, tourists visiting the island may notice changes in transportation services and driver engagement.
The Bali government underscores that this move aims to protect local employment opportunities, improve the quality and safety of tourist transportation, and enhance Bali’s unique cultural tourism appeal. For the growing tourism sector on the island, this regulation marks a renewed commitment to sustainability and community collaboration.
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