Ticket Scalpers Force Passengers to Buy 'White Tickets' at Mengwi Terminal
The intentions of prospective passengers travelling by bus from Mengwi Type A Terminal, Badung Regency, Bali, are being disrupted by the actions of ticket scalpers. As vehicles approach the entrance area, unidentified individuals frequently intercept them mid-road to force passengers to purchase expensive ‘white tickets’ before they can reach the official counters.
“I went to the terminal accompanied by an online taxi driver. At the terminal gate, there were about two people who stopped my motorbike and told me to buy tickets there; it really disturbs passengers,” said Rian (28), a passenger who reported experiencing intimidation last Saturday (29/8/2026).
Reports of widespread interception and coercion have been confirmed by terminal management, who stated they have received numerous similar complaints from passengers. These individuals deliberately operate outside the terminal’s sterile zone to deceive and trap passengers who are unfamiliar with the official ticketing process.
“There are many complaints regarding scalping in front of Mengwi Terminal, both through social media reviews and direct complaints to the office. The perpetrators usually wait in the middle of the road to stop passengers and force them to buy white tickets,” said the Head of Mengwi Type A Terminal, I Dewa Gede Tantara Tesa Putra, on Thursday (3/9/2026).
The modus operandi involves providing intermediary white tickets consisting of ordinary printed paper or even photocopies that do not resemble official tickets, sold at prices inflated above the official fare. Passengers are then required to exchange these slips at the official counters located inside the terminal.
“For example, if the official ticket price is Rp 290,000, this white ticket is sold for Rp 350,000, meaning the scalper profits approximately Rp 60,000. That money is then distributed among their associates or other scalpers,” explained Dewa Tantara.
Based on management observations, the perpetrators operate in shifts and their identities change every time enforcement action is taken. In response to this fraudulent activity, which is classified as a criminal act, terminal management is coordinating with the local police.
“We are calling upon the Badung Police and even the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) to follow up on every complaint received. We are handing this matter directly to the police because this scalping has crossed into criminal activity,” Dewa asserted.
In a previous case, mediation was successful in ensuring the victim’s losses were fully reimbursed. However, to prevent recurrence, strict supervision has commenced, and legal sanctions will be strictly enforced.
“Previously, a passenger requested compensation. The money was returned, and the matter was resolved humanely through the police. Moving forward, we will not hesitate to pursue legal action against scalpers who continue to operate,” said Dewa.
To facilitate the reporting process, an e-Complaint service based on QR code scanning has been prepared within the terminal area. Information regarding official online ticket purchases is also accessible to the public via the integrated Mengwi Terminal blog.
“We have an e-Complaint system via barcode scanning. Passengers can report issues within the terminal area there. There is a platform, ttamengwithebest.blogspot, which is integrated with online ticket links. Passengers forced by scalpers can also immediately call officers on-site,” he added.
The public is urged to remain vigilant and always purchase official tickets directly from bus operators, at terminal counters, or through digital channels. This is essential to ensure passengers avoid the risk of being defrauded by the use of counterfeit photocopied tickets.