Ubiquitous motorbike parking attendants are an integral part of Bali and Indonesia. Pay at the beach, pay at Indomaret, pay right here, because you must. Some find them annoying, others think they're just scammers, but most understand the difficulty of their work.
However, many will be surprised that the official parking fee for motorbikes in Badung (the most touristy district in Bali) has all this time been just 1,000 rupiah, considered the lowest in the country.
Now the authorities have announced an increase in this rate from January 1. However, it's hard to recall when last the fee was 1,000 rupiah at a parking lot.
Official rates in Badung will now be:
For two-wheeled vehicles — 2,000 rupiah, for three-wheeled — 3,000 rupiah, for four-wheeled — 4,000 rupiah. Apparently, the fee is 1,000 per wheel.
But that's on paper. In reality, the fee may rise from the usual 2,000 to 3,000-4,000 for a motorbike. If you haven't noticed the increase in the past month, you'll continue to pay as is.
Rai Yuda, head of the Transportation Department, explained that the new tariffs apply to both roadside parking and designated parking areas. Badung district has 50 roadside parking spots: 18 in Kuta, 10 in North Kuta, 9 each in South Kuta and Mengwi, and 4 in Abiansemal.
He explained that there are a total of 98 parking locations in Badung district. The revenue generated is not just pocketed by the people in orange vests, but is distributed. 60% of the revenue remains with the parking operator and 40% goes to the government budget.
So, when paying the increased parking ticket, remember that this peculiar tax goes to the budget, which, in theory, benefits Bali.
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