29-9-2023 (JAKARTA) Indonesia has announced its intention to commence the construction of a light rail transit (LRT) system on the renowned resort island of Bali next year. The move aims to address the increasing problem of roadway congestion stemming from the airport, according to a senior minister.
Bali heavily relies on tourism and annually attracts millions of foreign visitors. However, since reopening after the Covid-19 pandemic, the island has been grappling with traffic jams on its narrow roads. In response to this pressing issue, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan, revealed on Thursday that an underground LRT system will be developed to connect the international airport with popular tourist destinations such as Canggu and Seminyak.
“The LRT in Bali will be constructed underground, enabling us to manage traffic at Bali’s airport by 2025-2026,” Pandjaitan stated during a press conference in Jakarta, as reported by local media. He further emphasized that the airport is projected to receive approximately 24 million visitors annually by that time. Failure to address the congestion issue could result in passengers experiencing up to three hours of delay at the airport by 2026.
The project, initiated by President Joko Widodo, has garnered interest from potential investors in Seoul, Tokyo, and Beijing. “We are considering South Korea, Japan, and China. Our preference is to collaborate with partners who offer technology transfer, expeditious implementation, and cost-effectiveness,” Pandjaitan responded when questioned about funding sources for the project.
However, it is worth noting that certain limitations exist regarding construction on the island. Local regulations stipulate that buildings in Bali cannot exceed a height of 15 meters (50 feet), with a few exceptions.
This announcement follows the recent inauguration of an LRT system in Jakarta, which President Widodo believes will alleviate congestion and reduce pollution in the bustling metropolis. Additionally, a high-speed rail project funded by China, connecting Jakarta to the city of Bandung in Java, is set to launch next week.
In another significant development planned for next year, Bali intends to implement a tourist tax of 150,000 rupiah ($10) to fund cultural preservation efforts. This measure aims to capitalize on the island’s popularity while safeguarding its tropical allure.
