DENPASAR, Bali — Bali Police are stepping up traffic enforcement across the island while urging local motorists to set a better example as authorities also turn their attention to violations involving foreign drivers and riders.

Traffic Police Director Senior Commissioner Yong Ferrydjon said local road users also needed to follow the rules so foreign motorists could not point to similar behaviour by Balinese residents when confronted by police.

“We need to set the example first,” Yong said. “Otherwise, when we discipline foreigners, they may say, ‘But locals do the same thing.’”

His comments came as Bali Police launched Operation Patuh Agung 2026, a two-week traffic enforcement campaign running from October 26 to November 8 and involving 1,055 personnel across the provincial and district police commands.

Foreign motorists are among the groups receiving particular attention, especially in tourism areas. Police identified Canggu and Sanur as locations where foreign nationals have frequently been caught committing traffic violations, while officers will continue monitoring whether the pattern shifts to other areas.

The operation is already producing enforcement action.

During the first two days in Denpasar, police issued more than 80 warnings and 16 traffic tickets during checks around the Mahendradatta–Teuku Umar Barat intersection and the Mahendradatta–Gunung Agung area.

Officers targeted violations including riding without an approved helmet, using a mobile phone while driving, travelling against the flow of traffic, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to wear a seat belt.

Enforcement continued on Thursday, with Bali Police stopping motorists in central Denpasar for offences including non-standard exhaust systems, riding without helmets and vehicles without proper number plates.

Yong said police also plan to hold a dedicated focus group discussion involving experts and community representatives to develop recommendations for handling traffic violations involving foreign nationals.

Police say the campaign is not aimed solely at issuing fines, but also at encouraging safer driving behaviour among everyone using Bali’s roads.

The message from authorities is that road discipline cannot apply only to visitors: local motorists are also expected to follow the same rules if Bali wants foreign drivers to do the same.