Surprising news has come from the Island of the Gods. Recently, the Bali Provincial Government has drafted new regulations for its tourism sector. These regulations are closely related to online taxi drivers on the island, which has been a long-standing problem.
Previously, in March 2025, Bali Governor Wayan Koster reportedly announced plans to ban non-Balinese tour driver drivers. It appears the plan will be implemented soon. Observers argue that this will create friction and “invisible” hostility between local earners and newcomers, potentially creating a “fire in the chaff.”
In fact, over the past few years, tensions have been rising between Balinese and non-Balinese taxi drivers, as well as between those who use online taxi apps to find passengers and those who operate directly with customers. Many, both taxi drivers and tour guides, have complained that their livelihoods have been flooded by drivers coming from other provinces in Indonesia to work there. There are also growing concerns that online taxi drivers are not being adequately controlled or regulated in their ability to exploit the market.
This long-standing tension between Balinese and non-Balinese taxi drivers is being sought to resolve. However, this policy is not without controversy. While some feel it is a positive step in introducing standardization in the taxi sector that could benefit passengers overall, others worry that the policy discriminates against non-Balinese workers in the province.
