The island’s authorities are continuing discussions about banning vehicles with license plates not starting with DK (from other provinces) from entering Bali during the New Year holidays. The Indonesian Transportation Society (MTI) has expressed concerns about this proposal and opposes it.
MTI argues that banning vehicles with non-DK plates from entering the Island of the Gods during the busiest time of the year will complicate life for Balinese residents who need to travel outside the island. Many locals frequently undertake spiritual tours (tirta yatra) to Java and other islands, and a significant number of permanent residents own vehicles registered in other regions.
“If such a ban is implemented, it will also make travel more difficult, as people will have to change vehicles when entering Java, Lombok, and other areas,” said MTI Bali Chairman I Made Rai Ridartha.
He added that vehicles arriving in Bali from other regions should not be banned or restricted, as they are often used by people returning to their home island from other provinces. Furthermore, many Balinese tour companies use vehicles not registered on the island and therefore do not contribute to Bali’s road tax revenue. The same applies to car rental companies.
“Once these issues are resolved, it will become easier to monitor and regulate transportation from other regions,” explained Rai.
It was previously reported that the plan to ban vehicles with non-local license plates from entering the Island of the Gods was initiated by Bali’s Regional House of Representatives (DPRD). The DPRD aims to prohibit vehicles with license plates other than DK from entering Bali during the Christmas and New Year holidays (Nataru) 2024/2025. This regulation is intended to support Balinese residents and ease the strain on the island’s road system.
Authorities believe these measures could help reduce traffic congestion, which is expected to be inevitable during the holiday season. Ajus Linggih, a DPRD representative, suggested that tourists should travel to Bali by plane during the holidays. For those arriving by land, Ajus recommends using shuttles or tourist services upon reaching the port.
A final decision on this controversial proposal has not yet been made, but the DPRD stated that the plan has already been discussed with Bali’s Acting Governor, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya.
This potential ban could be a significant inconvenience for Indonesians planning to visit Bali with their families by car, a common practice since it is much more affordable than flying. Balinese residents who work outside the island and rely on their vehicles for travel across the country could also face challenges. Additionally, travelers who use Bali as a transit point between Lombok and Java may be impacted.
Expats and tourists traveling outside Bali in vehicles with non-DK plates should also monitor this development to avoid the risk of leaving their cars at the port.
Sources: detik, balitribun
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