Tabanan Middle Schools Ban Motorcycles, Free Student Transport to Resume July 24

The Tabanan Regency Education Department has issued a circular banning junior high school (SMP) students from riding motorcycles to school, with schools tightening supervision at their gates. The policy, outlined in Circular Number 027/7443/Disdik, mandates three key points for all SMPs in the region.

Firstly, schools are required to prohibit students from bringing motorcycles onto school premises and must regulate pick-up and drop-off systems at the school gates. Secondly, schools already served by the free student transport programme must utilise it and incorporate this into their school regulations. Thirdly, if students do not use the programme, parents must sign a statement accepting full responsibility for the risks associated with their child’s commute, absolving the school of liability.

Following the directive, schools like SMP Negeri 2 Tabanan have reinforced the long-standing rule. Head of SMPN 2 Tabanan, Gusti Ayu Nyoman Kamayani, stated that students are legally too young to ride motorcycles and are strictly forbidden from bringing them onto school grounds. While acknowledging that some students may still ride outside school, she emphasised that supervision beyond the school gate is the responsibility of parents and relevant authorities. The school has also tightened security by locking the gates during lesson hours to prevent students from leaving without permission.

In support of the policy, the Tabanan Transportation Agency (Dishub) announced that the free student transport service will resume operations on July 24. Head of Dishub Tabanan, Putu Dian Setiawan, confirmed that a meeting with all fleet drivers will be held prior to the relaunch to ensure readiness, including mandatory urine and psychological tests for the drivers.