In an attempt to prevent crowded gatherings across tourist hotspots in Bali, the provincial government today announced that the odd-even traffic policy will be implemented in popular areas by the end of this month.
“The odd-even rule is aimed at limiting public [mobility] so that they don’t form crowds at tourist attractions such as Kuta Beach,” Bali Police Chief Putu Jayan Danu Putra said today.
According to a statement issued by Bali’s Transportation Agency, the odd-even rule — which only allows vehicles with license plates ending with an even number to be used on affected roads on even calendar dates and vice-versa for odd dates — is applicable to both cars and motorbikes. The rule will be implemented on roads around Sanur Beach, Kuta Beach, and in Denpasar City.
For Sanur and Kuta each, the odd-even rule will be implemented on all roads from which visitors can access the beaches. In addition, the policy will be enforced in the morning from 6:30am to 9:30am, and again around sunset time from 3pm to 6pm. Officials have yet to make further details publicly available at the time of publication.
The governor is set to issue an official circular on the matter some time later this month, but Putu told reporters today that authorities may start implementing the rule as early as Sept. 25, with authorities hoping to inform the public before it is officially enforced.
With Bali having been downgraded to Level 3 PPKM (Enforcement of Restrictions on Public Activities), members of the public are evidently not too concerned about staying away from the beaches, with various photos and clips showing people gathering in places like Sanur and Seminyak over the weekend.
