Bali Governor Wayan Koster has admitted he is at his wits’ end over the behaviour of several foreign nationals on the Island of the Gods. He stated that many foreigners are working illegal in Bali, including offering online taxi services.
“Yesterday I saw a video of a foreigner driving an online taxi. I was dizzy seeing it,” Koster said during a halal bihalal event with Muslim leaders and several Islamic community organisations (ormas) in Denpasar on Saturday, 19 April 2025, as quoted by Detiknews.
The case of foreigners allegedly working illegal as online taxi drivers in Bali recently went viral on social media, after being uploaded by a Regional Representative Council (DPD) member from Bali, Ni Luh Putu Ary Pertami Djelantik, via her Instagram account @niluhdjelantik.
In the video, a foreign man driving a car with Balinese number plates (DK) is seen allegedly offering transportation services to a woman.
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In addition to working as online taxi drivers, Koster said that some foreigners in Bali also working illegal, such as operate yoga businesses, offer tennis coaching, and sell food. He also referred to several foreigners who have caused disturbances and were ultimately deported from Bali.
“This has gone too far,” said Koster.
The governor, originally from Sembiran Village in Buleleng, reminded foreign tourists to respect Indonesia’s laws as well as the customs and culture of Bali.
“The Bali government fully supports legal steps by the authorities and is committed to maintaining the image of Bali,” he added.
Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Required to Have Balinese ID Cards?
Online motorcycle taxi and online taxi drivers have voiced objections to a possible rule change that would replace the requirement for domicile letters with a mandatory Balinese ID card as a condition for working as drivers in Bali.
Online drivers are threatening to take legal action against any regulation that mandates a Balinese ID card for employment as an online driver on the island.
The current regulation requiring a domicile letter is outlined in Bali Governor Regulation Number 40 of 2019 concerning Special Rental Transportation Services Based on Applications in Bali.
The Bali Tourism Drivers Association is calling for the elimination of this domicile letter requirement for registration as an online taxi driver. DPD member Ni Luh Putu Ary Pertami Djelantik, also known as Niluh Djelantik, supports their demand.
Niluh also announced the forthcoming establishment of a tourism car drivers’ association in Bali. One of its aims is to filter drivers based on whether they possess a Balinese ID card.
The association will also ensure that tourist drivers are certified and possess a deep understanding of Balinese culture.
“Because all efforts and businesses in Bali must be based on our customs, culture, and traditions. Later, the presence of this association (Bali Tourism Driver Association) will be a filter,” said the activist and entrepreneur.
