Bali's governor, I Wayan Koster, is preparing a local ordinance or law that would ban foreign tourists from riding motorcycles in Bali.

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20/03/202511:33

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The plan deals with the many traffic violations committed by foreign tourists, ranging from not having a driver's license, not wearing a helmet, to driving on the road endangering other traffic users.

The head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, A.Par., MM, said data from the Bali Police showed a high number of traffic violations committed by foreign tourists.

In addition to driver's license issues, helmet use, motorcycle eligibility, frequent violations according to Tjok Bagus are culture issues.

'Often they drive wearing only underwear, or (shirtless) not dressed, not wearing T-shirts. So this momentum was used by Mr. Governor to reorganize Bali tourism.”

The Bali provincial government's plan received mixed responses from various circles.

Wayan Suwirya, 68, has been running a 'Rudy Rental' motorcycle rental business in Kedonangan to foreign tourists for decades. His business started in Legian which was one of Bali's first tourist areas and the most popular in the 1980s.

Rudy Rental in Bali Credit: Ade Mardiyati

Wayan welcomed the positive and admitted that he is not worried that his business income will decrease with the regulation of this area later.

“I have no objection and will follow government regulations,” he said.

Wayan requires foreign tourists who rent his motorbike to show a driver's license and passport.

He also compared the behavior of foreign tourists past and present based on his experience of decades of vehicle rental ventures.

“It used to be that the 80s and 90s were safer. Now once someone pawned the motor, the motor was carried away, lost. Now more often.,” Wayan said.

“If they used to be told to wear a shirt or wear a helmet, they would. Now it's disrespectful. If I rent a bike the same, I have to wear a shirt and wear a helmet.”

Another local resident Ari Ningsih also welcomed the Governor of Bali's plan.

“Let it be orderly and also so that those who visit Bali are quality bullies, not spoiled ones,” Ari said.

Local bike rider Ari Ningsih in Bali Credit: Ade Mardiyati

US tourist David Barberena said a ban on motorcycling for foreign tourists in Bali would affect comfort while on holiday.

“I love riding motorbikes when I'm on vacation, especially in Asia. Being able to ride a bike gives me the freedom to explore many places, for example from urban areas to the countryside,” he said.

David claims to always be careful and follow the rules when riding a motorcycle, including when vacationing abroad.

David Barbarena frequent bike rental client in Bali Credit: Ade Mardiyati

“I'm also a motorcycle driver in America and I have an International Driver's License, so I've experienced motorcycling. I really hope (local authorities) won't implement the ban rule,” David said.

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Ade Mardiyati

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