Bali Police have confirmed the launch of a new road safety campaign, Operation Zebra Agung 2025.
The operation will take place around the province and is targeted at both local and international drivers in a bid to make Bali’s transportation network a safer place for all.
The campaign will run for two weeks across all regencies in Bali. Speaking to reporters at the launch of Operation Zebra Agung 2025 in North Bali, Buleleng Police Chief AKBP Ida Bagus Widwan Sutadi shared, “Roads are more than just asphalt and markings; they are the lifeblood of life, connecting the steps, hopes, and stories of millions of people every day.”
The operation has been timed to help minimise the number of road collisions during the festive season. During the Christmas and New Year holidays in Bali, tragically, there is always a spike in the number of reports of traffic collisions.
Bali Police have confirmed that Operation Zebra Agung 2025 is focused on curbing a series of violations that often lead to fatalities in collisions, such as riding motorcycles without helmets, not using seat belts, using cell phones while driving, going against traffic, and illegal racing.
Police have also highlighted how the increasing number of underage drivers and the influence of alcohol have become serious threats to Bali’s roads. Police Chief Sutadi told reporters, “The public is a partner. Awareness born from dialogue and empathy without coercion is a crucial pillar in achieving safety for humanity.”
Operation Zebra Agung will be in effect across Bali until 30th November, where there will be a short break before the Christmas and New Year road security operations come into effect. Jembrana Police Chief, AKBP Kadek Citra Dewi Suparwati, confirmed that in West Bali, 94 officers will be conducting patrols and pull-overs on drivers throughout the regency.
AKBP Suparwati explained, “This operation is not merely about enforcement. It’s about protecting the public from the risk of accidents. We want the presence of the National Police to truly provide a sense of security and comfort for road users.”
He added that he has called on officers to take a compassionate approach to road users who have been found to be breaking the law.
He shared that officers have been ordered to “Conduct operations with a polite and educational approach. Prioritize the safety of personnel and the public. Our primary goal is safety, not just enforcement.”
While much of the operation is targeted at local drivers, foreigners will also be targeted as officers look out for the most common violations committed by international drivers in Bail. Bali Police Traffic Director, Senior Commissioner Turmudi, told reporters that pedestrian safety in busy tourism areas is a top priority.
He noted, “We want Bali’s roads to be safe and humane. Pedestrians, cyclists, children, the elderly, and vulnerable road users must receive maximum protection. This is not just a law enforcement task, but a form of state presence for its citizens.”
Senior Commissioner Turmudi has called on international drivers in Bali to take full responsibility for their driving and urged tourists not to risk driving a moped if they are inexperienced or unskilled in driving a motorcycle, which is a very different skill from driving a car.
He told reporters, “Foreign nationals who are unable or less skilled to operate motorized vehicles, especially motorcycles, are advised not to ride motorcycles alone.”
He added, “If renting a vehicle, a motorist must be present to protect both foreign nationals and our residents who own rental vehicles to prevent problems.”
Tourists who are considering renting a motorcycle in Bali but who do not have experience riding mopeds or driving in Indonesia are advised to book a series of driving lessons before heading out on the road. Operators like Canggu Scooter Lessons have driving schools in all of Bali’s major tourist resorts, including Canggu, Uluwatu, and Sanur.
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Shorty
Sunday 23rd of November 2025
So what if locals disobey with impunity.
You know the rules. You're a bule with a target on your back. If you ignore them and get caught don't complain. There's a some other factors coming into play.
Obey the rules and there's less likely hood of a prang. Unlicensed or disobeying the rules? Forget your insurance. Hospital/medical charges for even minor injury can be expensive.
How much impediment is putting on your helmet? It's highly unlikely it will get nicked.
Asking yourself if you've drunk too much? If you're asking the answer is yes.
Cutting into traffic, u turn, overtaking... do I have time? If you're asking the question....No.
Heading for a night out? Taxis and ride share are cheap. Leave the bike at home.
Ins some ways the Polisi are protecting you.
carson
Saturday 22nd of November 2025
So they will have to forbid all indonesians to drive!?? Then teach them the real road code, not the Indian from India or Saudianistan.
Exp
Saturday 22nd of November 2025
@carson, If they had excellent roads in Bali like in developed countries it would be complete carnage with all the high speed accidents as nobody trained. Just look at all the nasty accidents seen on Java tool roads. They will routinely drive at 120km/h, zig zag between lanes and use road shoulder as overtake lane. It sound unbelievable but I have seen it with my own eyes.
Thommo
Saturday 22nd of November 2025
He noted, “We want Bali’s roads to be safe and humane. Pedestrians, cyclists, children, the elderly, and vulnerable road users must receive maximum protection. This is not just a law enforcement task, but a form of state presence for its citizens.” What an absolute joke of a statement by Commisioner Turmudi. Bali roads to be safe and humane? Does he ever get on a motorbike and try riding around? No he floats around driven by a driver in a black tinted window SUV. Bali has the worst injury/fatality statistics in Indonesia. The fatality rate has doubled since 2023. It has dreadful quality roads with dangerous chaotic overcrowded roads. Local riders ride like their at Mandalika raceway. They are maniacs who follow no rules. It has overloaded non tested non compliant trucks driving recklessly around. It has school age kids with no license and no helmet with no registration riding everywhere( not just to school) It has a proliferation of exhaust modified loud motorbikes everywhere, so much for the delusion of the islands idyllic paradise. Yet due to a minority of tourists that ride inappropriately or who just compete with non complying crazy locals this clown of a Commissioner dials in on this delusional bullshit related to tourist behaviour on the roads as if they create all the problems. He is as out of touch as the Governor and is living in La La land. Riding or motoring in Bali particularly in the unhinged South is an ordeal and a hope for survival every time you go out. Local kids particularly boys riding behaviour is reckless, illegal and dangerous. Polisi and village pecelang do nothing about it. See it everyday.
Exp
Saturday 22nd of November 2025
@Thommo, The police here do not work like in the developed world. The least trusted public institutions in Indonesia. Those following locals news will have read the most unbelievable stories over the years. Foreigners thinking the police will be fair in business or other disputes with locals need their head examined.
JR
Saturday 22nd of November 2025
How about the idiots without mufflers
Exp
Saturday 22nd of November 2025
"Inexperienced Tourists who are considering renting a motorcycle in Bali are advised to book a series of driving lessons."
Why? If they do have a valid international driving permit and motorbike licence they are NOT allowed to drive in Bali. That is the norm in developed countries.
That said the locals hardly bother with any driving lessons. They hand over some cash and promptly receive their drivers licence.