Leaders in Bali have been responding to public complaints about illegal motorcycle taxi drivers operating in top tourism destinations.
To complicate matters for tourists, some drivers toggle between operating legally and breaking the law when it is convenient, beneficial, and seemingly easy to get away with.
Following up on complaints from local residents in Legian, Bali Police and the Legian Traditional Village have committed to cracking down on poor behavior by motorcycle taxi drivers in the area.
However, despite being ‘coached’ on what is expected of them last week, the issues of fighting between drivers and continuing to operate illegally have persisted into this week.
According to the Head of Legian Village, Putu Eka Martini, at least 20 illegal motorcycle taxi drivers were apprehended during a training program involving authorities and the Legian community. These drivers were caught wearing official motorcycle taxi uniforms but were not registered with any app.
These drivers are known to frequently hang around busy areas of Legian and pressure tourists to use their services. Martini shared, “This situation has long been a public complaint. If it continues like this, it will certainly tarnish Legian’s image as a tourist destination.”
As an initial punishment, the driver’s branded jackets showing the online motorcycle taxi logo were confiscated. Marthini confirmed that they can only retrieve them if they can show proof that they are now registered drivers.
Marthini confirmed that officers are also providing guidance to drivers with motorcycles that are technically not roadworthy, such as those without mirrors, license plates, or documents. Marthini shared, “We are still providing guidance at this time. However, in the future, it is possible that stricter measures will be implemented through ticketing in collaboration with the police.”
However, the initial visit by the authorities was not enough to deter the illegal activity, as late last week the Badung Traffic Police confirmed that they had to visit the area once again to follow up on reports of an illegal motorcycle taxi driver stealing the wallet of an international tourists, as well as reports of fighting.
The Head of the Badung Police Traffic Unit, AKP Ni Luh Tiviasih, told reporters, “We, the Badung Police Traffic Unit, have taken a number of preventative and preemptive measures to discipline and educate online motorcycle taxi drivers, especially those operating in tourist areas such as Canggu, Batu Bolong, and the surrounding areas.”
AKP Tiviasih confirmed that the traffic police will continue to intensify the educational activities in the area and continue to monitor behavior and follow up on reports.
The aim is clear: to create a safe, orderly, and ethically operating traffic and transport service in Badung Regency, especially in top tourism areas like Legian, Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.
AKP Tiviasih explains, “We also emphasize the importance of professionalism among obol drivers, including no cheering or intimidating them. If there are indications of violations or perpetrators who disturb tourists, we will certainly follow up according to the law.”
AKP Tiviasih concluded by calling on tourists to feel empowered to make a report against any driver or individuals who have engaged in disruptive or disrespectful behavior, either by calling 110 or contacting Badung Police directly.
AKP Tiviasih concluded, “We are open and ready to follow up on every report to create a safe and conducive environment, especially in the tourist area.”
Tourists who need to travel by motorcycle taxi are advised to book via apps like GoJek and Grab. It is highly advisable to turn on all available safety features within the app and never accept a ride from a driver who pressurizes or even suggests taking the booking off the app. The same is true for car taxi services, too.
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