Denpasar Parking Complaints Prompt Calls for Reform

The placement of parking attendants at various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Denpasar City has sparked controversy. Some residents have complained about being charged parking fees while shopping, whereas several business owners feel assisted by attendants who manage customer vehicles.

Agus Wirajaya, a member of the Denpasar Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), is urging the Denpasar City Government to implement improvements regarding the parking fee scheme. Agus emphasised that parking levies must not weaken the MSMEs run by local citizens.

“Improvements are necessary. We must ensure that due to parking arrangements, the MSMEs operated by the community do not fail to develop,” Agus stated when confirmed on Saturday (19/9/2026).

The PSI politician highlighted the placement of attendants at busy MSMEs, noting that while some areas are charged, quieter MSMEs are exempt from parking tariffs. “However, if we examine the facts on the ground, an MSME remains a destination for consumers to shop based on their needs and desires, regardless of whether parking is available or not,” he added.

Agus acknowledged that without organised parking, traffic flow would be disrupted by the continuous arrival of buyers. In addition to organising parking positions, Agus noted that attendants must also prioritise the security of parked vehicles.

“In my view, parking must be available at MSME locations that are always busy with visitors. However, attendants are obligated to provide optimal service so that security and comfort can be felt by those using the parking facilities,” he concluded.

Previously, the Deputy Mayor of Denpasar, I Kadek Agus Arya Wibawa, explained that his office would hold a meeting with Perumda Bukhti Praja Sewakadarma. The meeting will discuss the parking scheme at MSME locations.

“We will soon hold a meeting with Perumda Bukhti Praja Sewakadarma regarding the scheme for MSMEs that are free from parking fees,” said Kadek Agus at Lumintang City Park, Denpasar, on Friday (18/9).

He noted that the policy requires further study because some MSMEs have actually requested parking management around their business locations. He assessed that parking management remains necessary to prevent haphazard parking and the resulting chaos when the public arrives to shop.

“Because, I must say, there are also MSMEs that specifically request that parking be provided at their vending points,” said Kadek Agus.