Bali Online Drivers Escalate Pressure Over Stalled Licensing System

Dozens of ride-hailing and online taxi drivers in Bali have escalated their campaign for a promised licensing system, warning that mass protests will follow if authorities fail to deliver on commitments made nearly four months ago.

Around 30 representatives from the Forum of Struggle for Bali Tourism Drivers (FPDPB) visited Governor Wayan Koster and the Bali Legislative Council (DPRD-Bali) on February 20, 2026, demanding urgent clarification on the rollout of the ASKP registration system—a special licensing scheme designed to grant operational privileges to Balinese residents in the competitive ride-hailing sector.

Broken Promises and Growing Frustration

The ASKP (Provision of Application-Based Special Tourism Charter Transportation Services) registration numbering system was publicly announced by the DPRD-Bali in late October 2025 as a landmark policy shift. The system was positioned as a measure to protect local Balinese drivers by restricting online transportation services to officially registered residents of the island.

However, nearly four months after the announcement and despite formal legislative ratification of the underlying regional regulation, no concrete implementation framework has materialized. The Interior Ministry (Kemendagri) has yet to issue formal guidelines explaining how drivers can apply for their ASKP registration numbers or what the administrative process will entail.

"The Regional Regulation regarding ASKP has been ratified, but the registration numbers and the process to apply for one remain unclear. The response on this point from the Governor and the DPRD-Bali members is also still unclear," said Made Darmayasa, chairman of the FPDPB, following the delegation's meeting with officials.

Deadline Set for Government Action

Darmayasa has now issued an ultimatum to provincial authorities, setting a formal deadline for the government to provide comprehensive answers regarding the ASKP registration process. If officials fail to respond satisfactorily before the deadline expires, the FPDPB has signaled its intention to organize protest actions.

The threatened demonstrations reflect deep frustration within Bali's online transportation sector, where thousands of drivers—both local and migrant workers—depend on ride-hailing platforms for their livelihoods. The ASKP system, while welcomed by many Balinese drivers as a protective measure, has created uncertainty for the broader driving community, particularly non-resident workers.

Context: Why This Matters for Bali's Tourism Economy

The conflict underscores tensions between protecting local economic interests and maintaining operational efficiency in Bali's vital tourism transportation sector. Online ride services have become essential infrastructure for visitors and residents alike, with thousands of drivers relying on these platforms during Bali's busy tourism season.

The stalled implementation suggests bureaucratic hurdles typical of Indonesian governance, where legislative approval does not automatically translate into rapid administrative action. Coordination between provincial authorities and central government ministries—in this case, the Interior Ministry—often creates delays in rolling out new regulations.

Source: Original reporting by Balipost.com as covered by Bali Discovery