The Bali Provincial Government is drafting a regulation that would prohibit foreign tourists from renting motorcycles. Officials are encouraging visitors to use four-wheeled vehicles provided by authorised travel agencies. The policy forms part of a broader effort to improve tourism standards and address safety concerns.
Bali Governor Wayan Koster, through Deputy Governor I Nyoman Giri Prasta, outlined the proposal during a plenary session of the Bali Regional People’s Representative Council on Friday, 24 April 2026.
The proposal is included in the Draft Regional Regulation on Quality Bali Tourism Business Management. During the session, the provincial government responded to general views presented by the Gerindra PSI faction, including points related to tourism activities such as sports and spiritual tourism.
Government Emphasises Safety and Coordination
Deputy Governor Giri Prasta said the regulation aims to improve safety and comfort for tourists. He stated that limiting motorcycle rentals would help reduce traffic violations and lower the risk of accidents involving foreign visitors.
He recommended that tourists use four-wheeled transport services arranged through authorised agencies. He also said tourism businesses should join official associations to support better supervision and guidance.
Giri Prasta addressed the issue during the 35th plenary session in Denpasar, which discussed two draft regulations. These include the tourism management regulation and amendments to Regional Regulation No. 1 of 2024 on regional taxes and levies.
He also stressed the need for coordination between provincial and local governments. This coordination is intended to align spatial planning policies at different administrative levels.
“We agree that caution is needed in adding customary sanctions in accordance with local customary village laws and regulations,” said Giri Prasta, as quoted from Jppn.
Economic Concerns Over Foreign-Owned Services
Separately, Governor Koster raised concerns about the economic impact of foreign-owned tourism services. He highlighted the scale of transactions linked to motorcycle rentals and short-term accommodation platforms.
He said that transactions involving foreign nationals in these sectors have reached significant levels. “The estimated IDR 50 trillion in transactions are handled by digital media operators. They’re estimated to take IDR 50 trillion, try it. And not a single one is Balinese,” Koster said at an event in Bali on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, as quoted by Kompas.com.
Koster added that local transportation operators are facing increasing pressure. He said many are losing economic opportunities as foreign-run services expand.
The provincial government has not yet confirmed when the draft regulation will be finalised. Discussions with the regional council are ongoing.
