Traffic congestion and road safety are two of the hottest topics in Bali right now. That, along with construction and tourism development, is a story for another day.
Here at The Bali Sun, our job is to bring you the latest news from the island, and this week, there is a lot going on on the roads.
The road safety and surveillance operation will run for two weeks and involves officers from Bali Police, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Jasa Raharja, the Transportation Agency, the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), and others.
The operation will be carried out across Bali, with a heavy presence of officers in areas like Badung Regency and Gianyar Regency. Badung Police, who oversee destinations like Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu. Gianyar Regency is best known for being home to the island’s arts and culture capital, Ubud.
The goal is simple: to ensure road safety and the smooth flow of traffic, especially ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr, which is a huge religious festival and public holiday all across Indonesia, including in Bali.
Speaking to reporters, Police Commissioner Suarmawa confirmed that Operation Safety Agung 2026 will last 14 days, from 2nd February to 15th February 2026.
He noted that the operation emphasizes preemptive and preventive activities and that officers on the ground will primarily provide education to motorists.
Speaking, Bali Police Operations Chief, Senior Commissioner Soelistyono, revealed that data from the Bali Police Traffic Directorate (Ditlantas) shows that the number of traffic violations in 2025 increased by 54 percent compared to 2024.
This is of huge concern, and leaders want to ensure road safety is a top priority in all areas of the island.
He explained, “As an international tourism destination, the mobility of residents and tourists in Bali is increasing day by day. This has also contributed to problems such as traffic congestion.”
Badung Police Chief of Operations, Commissioner I Gusti Nyoman Sudarsana, shared, “The purpose of this operation is to educate drivers. A similar operation in 2025 was able to reduce the number of accidents by 15 percent. The cause of accidents is predominantly driver negligence. The main factor causing accidents is driver negligence and human error.”
He added, “We invite the public to work together to realize Kamseltibcarlantas (traffic safety, security, and order). Motorcyclists must wear helmets that meet standards and operate vehicles that are roadworthy.”
The Denpasar Police Public Relations Chief, First Inspector I Gede Adi Saputra Jaya, reiterated that Operation Safety Agung is to educate the public. “This operation is being carried out by prioritizing a preemptive, preventive approach, and humane law enforcement for road users.”
Top violations that police officers in Bali tend to find are driving without a helmet, driving without a licence, driving without insurance, and violating traffic law, including speeding, illegal overtaking, and not indicating when turning.
Overloading motorcycles with passengers is an issue that police record with both local drivers and tourists, as well as numerous cases of not wearing helmets.
Tourists driving in Bali can expect to see more police officers, traffic officers, and security personnel on the roads in the coming two weeks.
Officers will be conducting spot checks and pulling over drivers. Tourists are reminded that they must carry a full international driving licence in order to drive in Bali, and that in order to legally drive a motorcycle, a specific motorcycle license is necessary.
It is vital that tourists check what is and is not covered by their insurance provider prior to driving in Bali.
In all too many cases, insurers will not pay out in the event of a collision due to technicalities with international driving licences.
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Solo59
Thursday 5th of February 2026
Good work Bali . Its a good start. Education & stricter enforcement will be required . Too many people are not wearing helmets, the overloading of bikes particularly with babies or young kids is very concerning . Look to countries like the UK or Australia where enforcement of seatbelt use, helmets, etc & load restrictions are strictly enforced . Big financial Penalties & loss of licence in Australia particularly are a deterrent . If Bali or Indonesia in general could apply some of those regs or requirements locally, then it may reduce the accident & road toll rates significantly. But it will take time to implement & enforce .
Alex
Thursday 5th of February 2026
Every single time there is a traffic Jam... There is a traffic officer.
When they are not here, the traffic can be busy, but organic. When they are there, it's pure chaos.
So I don't think it's a good news at all.
Exp
Wednesday 4th of February 2026
The police highlight that foreigners must have a valid drivers licence.
So how to get this licence? Goggle tell me that "many agents in Bali facilitate obtaining a 5-year Indonesian driver's license (SIM A for cars, SIM C for motorbikes) for foreigners, often without requiring tests, even on a Visa on Arrival. Services typically cost IDR 1.6–2.5 Juta, taking 3–5 working days."
So how much is the cut for the police for this service which is clearly not the official procedure which require KITAS/KITAP, obtain doctor certificate checking eyesight etc, do theoretical test of 30 questions in Bahasa Indonesia and driving test.
This is just crazy, but not a surprise.
LINK
Shorty
Thursday 5th of February 2026
@Exp,
The convoluted way you detail is as you say crazy.
If you get a licence this way it might help you avoid a local fine of few bucks. At the prices you give that's a lot of fines and holiday time wasted. The licence will not be recognised for insurance, or for legal action following a prang.
Theres far cheaper, easier way.
If you have a bike licence get an International Permit before you leave. At NRMA in NSW it's $53 and immediate. The same applies forna car licence.
Rusty
Wednesday 4th of February 2026
I would guess that all Middle high school students are riding a motorcycle unlicensed and half of senior high school too. But nobody does anything about it. Legal age is 17.So, why not take these kids off the roads.
Steve bmi
Thursday 5th of February 2026
@Rusty, you would have more parents without helmets. Two of my school kids each ride to there schools unlicensed they are not like the other kids that go crazy ,I spent weeks training them following me learning safety and correct riding and know not to do stupid shite and be individuals
Robert
Wednesday 4th of February 2026
Where can I find the official traffic rules. It seems that every policeman makes his own gestures, trying to control traffic. It often just does not help. Many locals on motorbikes speeding, with no helmet, also on pavements, I never see police taking action. Many grab drivers with three people on a bike, no save conduct, no lights in the evening . I never see police, Canggu is the kingdom of trafficbullies.
Exp
Friday 6th of February 2026
@Robert, Where to find official traffic rules? If you find and read the Indonesian traffic rules you will be the only one knowing the rules and consequently be in an accident instantly if you insist you have "right away".
I drive on the left, try not to hit anything, try not to be hit by anything, follow the flow and respect the traffic lights.