Vehicle Restrictions Under Consideration to Tackle Traffic Congestion, Adi Arnawa to Report to Koster

The Badung Regency Government is beginning to consider serious steps to curb traffic congestion through vehicle management restrictions. This initiative follows a significant surge in the number of vehicles, now exceeding 1 million units, in stark contrast to the population of just over 500,000 souls.

“Well, this might require us to sit down together and decide what steps we need to take. I might also try to convey this to the Governor later for consideration on whether vehicle restrictions are necessary, given Bali’s very limited carrying capacity,” said Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa on Thursday (23/4/2026).

Data from the Badung Transportation Agency (Dishub) records that the current vehicle-to-population ratio has reached 1:2, meaning on average one resident owns two motorised vehicles. This condition is the main trigger for chronic congestion in the Gumi Keris region, making a comprehensive evaluation of road capacity urgently needed.

“Of course, I will consider it. I will also convey this to the Governor later because, after all, when talking about Bali, it can’t just be Badung. Badung is part of the island of Bali, which causes inter-regency traffic,” Adi Arnawa stated.

The high vehicle population is feared to hinder the tourism sector if not addressed promptly with strong regulations. In addition to restriction options, the local government is also designing the development of electric public transport and providing parking pockets as integrated solutions.

“I don’t think building infrastructure alone is enough without being balanced by these vehicle restrictions. But if this is done comprehensively, I believe it will be very helpful, alongside our push for public transport,” Adi Arnawa added.