Conventional taxi drivers in Bali staged a peaceful demonstration outside the Bali Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) building on 6 January 2025.
The protest, organized by the Forum Perjuangan Driver Pariwisata Bali (FPDPB)—or the Bali Tourism Drivers Advocacy Forum—highlighted grievances over foreign nationals allegedly encroaching on their livelihoods and issues with the unregulated growth of online taxi services.
Key Concerns: Foreign Nationals and Tourism Businesses
A prominent complaint among the demonstrators was the phenomenon of foreign nationals picking up other foreign tourists at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Drivers argue that such activities resemble professional guiding and transport services, a domain they feel should be reserved for locals.
“Guests are picking up guests—it’s like one orange eating another orange. I was shocked. So, where is the immigration [office]?” said Wayan Widiasa, a conventional taxi driver, questioning the Immigration Office’s oversight during a dialogue with DPRD Bali leaders.
Legally, foreign nationals holding appropriate work permits can engage in tourism-related businesses in Indonesia. However, the drivers contend that insufficient enforcement is leading to violations.
Traffic and Online Taxis
The drivers also voiced frustration over traffic management and the expansion of app-based taxi services.
Widiasa criticized the police for their perceived inaction in managing congestion, saying, “Don’t just escort big motorbikes and luxury cars. Please help us when we’re stuck in traffic.”
Online taxi services were another focal point, with drivers lamenting what they view as unbalanced competition.
“Our livelihoods have been stolen since the arrival of online taxis,” said FPDPB coordinator I Made Darmayasa, adding that the lack of regulation undermines local drivers’ welfare and cultural contributions to Bali’s tourism industry.
The protestors submitted a list of six demands, including stricter regulation of online taxi quotas, mandatory Bali-issued identification for drivers, and standardization of fares.
Government Response
DPRD Bali Chairman Dewa Made Mahayadnya, known as Dewa Jack, pledged action.
“We will first inspect the airport. Commission I and III, along with faction leaders, will join to see if it’s true that [foreign] guests are picking up other guests,” he said, promising inspections at the airport and coordination with Immigration and police authorities.
DPRD Bali also committed to exploring legislative solutions, such as upgrading existing regulations on app-based transport into a provincial law to ensure enforceability.
Additionally, the council plans to establish a call center for reporting violations.
Balancing Growth and Local Interests
The FPDPB protests reflect broader tensions as Bali grapples with integrating modern tourism trends while preserving local livelihoods.
While the demonstrators welcome oversight and regulations to ensure fair competition, they emphasized the importance of safeguarding the cultural and economic rights of Bali’s traditional drivers.
