Bali to Restrict Online Transportation Services to Local Drivers with Bali-Registered Vehicles
In a significant move aimed at prioritizing local employment and regulating online transportation services, Bali’s Regional Representative Council (DPRD) alongside the Provincial Administration of Bali have agreed to introduce new legislation that restricts online taxi operations to Balinese drivers using vehicles registered in the region.
The new regulation, which was discussed and agreed upon during a plenary session of the DPRD held at the Governor’s Office in Denpasar on October 28, 2025, mandates that all drivers working with online transportation applications must hold a Balinese Identity Card (KTP). Additionally, the vehicles used for these services must bear “DK” license plates — the distinctive code indicating registration within Bali province.
The draft regulation, known as the Online Tourism Transportation Regulation (ASKP), is now awaiting review and final ratification from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Local Representation and Legal Certainty
I Nyoman Suyasa, chairman of Commission III of the DPRD Bali, expressed strong support for the new law, emphasizing its potential to provide legal certainty and create more employment opportunities for local drivers. "This regulation is vital to bring order to online transportation services, ensuring fair tariffs and prioritizing those who are Balinese by residency and identity," said Suyasa.
He also highlighted the importance of enhancing the competency of drivers who serve tourists. To this end, the new law includes provisions requiring drivers to demonstrate knowledge of Balinese cultural tourism. Furthermore, vehicles used in tourist transportation will be required to display the official "Kreta Bali Semita" label, symbolizing authorized service and cultural respect within the tourism sector.
Provincial Government’s Vision and Challenges Ahead
Bali Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta reiterated that the regulation will become mandatory for all drivers and application operators once ratified by the Ministry of Home Affairs. "This initiative will open broader job opportunities for residents of Bali and help to systematically register and monitor drivers using a unified official online platform," Prasta explained.
However, some stakeholders have raised questions about the feasibility of effectively banning major online transportation companies currently operating on the island, particularly those headquartered outside Bali.
A Response to Local Drivers’ Demands
This regulatory push comes as a direct response to earlier peaceful protests staged by the Bali Tourism Driver Struggle Forum in January 2025. The forum had called for tighter controls on online transportation, including a cap on the number of online taxis, requirements for Balinese ID cards, and mandates for vehicles to have Balinese license plates. The new legislation addresses these demands, seeking to balance the interests of local drivers with the tourism sector’s needs.
Looking Ahead
With the DPRD’s approval, Bali is set to implement a framework that strengthens local participation in the fast-growing online transportation market, safeguards cultural values, and streamlines regulation. The final step remains the Ministry of Home Affairs’ ratification, after which the enforcement of these rules will begin.
This development marks a key moment in the island’s ongoing effort to manage tourism-related services responsibly, promote local welfare, and sustain Bali’s unique cultural identity amid growing economic pressures.
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