Bali Cracking Down On Illegal Workers, Tourists On Motorcycles

Last updated Mar 18, 2023

Bali to ban tourists from hiring motorcycles — Bali bans tourists from hiring motorcycles [Image by haydenggg from Pixabay]

Bali in Indonesia is known as the “Land of the Gods” and is a particularly popular destination for beach lovers, surfers and backpackers. However, like many places in the world, Bali is cracking down on international travelers who work illegally on the island. This could also, potentially, impact digital nomads who head to Bali to work in paradise. In another unrelated ban, the governor of Bali is also planning to ban tourists from hiring motorcycles to explore the island.

Bali cracking down on tourists and illegal workers

Seminyak. Bali, Indonesia — Seminyak, Bali [Image by Victoria Al-Taie from Pixabay]

With its idyllic beaches and friendly people, Bali is known as a veritable paradise for visitors and backpackers alike. The predominantly Hindu island set in a majority Muslim country is a true draw for young foreign travelers. However, things are going to change.

Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster gave a press briefing on March 12 to announce changes. He explained that his government is planning to crack down on foreign tourists working illegally in Bali, which could, potentially, also affect digital nomads.

Locals on scooters in Bali [Image by Martin Fuhrmann from Pixabay]

Moreover, Koster announced that visitors to the island will no longer be able to rent motorcycles, a popular method of transport in Bali. CNN Indonesia quotes him as saying that tourists will, in the future, be restricted to renting cars to get around the island.

The reason for the ban was the fact that foreign visitors ride motorcycles without valid paperwork and helmets. Koster added that most drive recklessly around the island while using fake Indonesian ID cards or residence cards to gain employment.

Controversy in Bali

Problems between visitors and locals came to a head during the pandemic when two “influencers and content creators” ran afoul of the COVID regulations in Bali. In fact, Josh Paler Lin and Leia “Lisha” Se got into trouble with officials when they painted a fake blue face mask on each other as a YouTube stunt.

Meanwhile, the video quickly went viral and attracted backlash from locals and foreigners alike. Lin and Se made an apology video in April 2021, featuring their attorneys. However, they were both deported to their respective countries.

Will Indonesia’s new sex laws affect travelers?

Kite surfing in Bali, Indonesia — Kite surfing in Bali [Image by Steven Bol from Pixabay]

In other controversial news, the national government of Indonesia has introduced new laws that make it illegal for non-married couples to cohabit or have sexual intercourse. However, as noted by the BBC, Koster reassured potential tourists, saying the laws would not affect foreign residents or visitors.

Meanwhile, in the governor’s speech this week, Koster blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for slowing progress in Bali, which relies heavily on tourism.

Back in October 2021, the island reopened its borders to vaccinated travelers from 19 countries. Among these were visitors from New Zealand, China and France. These days, nationals from 86 countries can now apply for visas on arrival in Bali.

Meanwhile, the island’s scenery includes volcanoes, lush terraced rice fields and beautiful sandy beaches. Moreover, it also offers some of the best waves for surfers. Visits to traditional temples and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary are also popular with tourists.