Local media has been reporting that transport-service app Uber is offering a week of free rides in Denpasar. But oddly enough there’s no mention in these reports whatsoever of the app’s supposed controversial ban last month by Bali authorities.
Uber users can go around Denpasar from Feb. 8 to 14 free of charge with the promo code FREEWEEKDPS, the app has been advertising.
But what happened to all this talk of banning the app in Bali? Tempo reported last month that Bali’s provincial government through the Transportation Service officially banned Uber’s operations on the island, caving under pressure from local taxi drivers. Their source was head of Land Transportation Division of Bali Transportation Service Standly Suwandhi, who said himself that violators of the “ban” will be firmly dealt with.
So shouldn’t Uber not be offering transportation in Bali if they’re banned?
It appears it may have been easier said than done and Suwandhi spoke too soon on the ban, because Uber is clearly still openly doing business in Bali.
Deputy Governor Ketut Sudikerta was quoted by Inilah as saying that the licensing and permit issues with Uber and fellow app GrabTaxi are still being evaluated. He said he’s told the head of the Bali Department of Transportation (Kadishub) to take action and check the legality of the two apps.
“It’s all in the process, so be patient. I’ve already told the Bali Transportation Agency to check the licensing of GrabCar and Uber,” Sudikerta said on Feb. 5, as quoted by Inilah.
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